OK.. some progress has been made.. I have been trimming down my game play and seen my date fall dramatically.

My last win was played rather quickly (read sloppy) just to try some new ideas out and I finished at 250AD.

I seriously think I can do it by 1 AD if I find the perfect map and play slow and easy..

I am going to hunt for a map and likely do a nice write-up of the game for the HoF at CFC.. this in the past has forced me to pay more attention to details and play a bit slower.

I think I need to read and study the art of whipping.. I have done it in some of my games but have not used it efficiently IMHO. so.. off to do some reading.. I will post a link to the write-up once I have done it.. Thanks for your help guys.