I would like mto point out that i only have..... "unofficial" copies of most games.... unless i can connect with direct IP or you host a private server or something like that, i wont be able to attend....
also, i often find that my strategies and tactics arent really compatible with other people, both allies and enemies... i usually go "Plan > prepare > execute> repeat until victory" ....which, though efficient and effective, is a slow process.... the ones i play with, regardless of game or genre, just rush with everything as much as possible to be done ASAP.... which, though effective, is extremely annoying for me.... i dont even have the basic infrastructure built yet and my base is already being torn apart by weak early game units...