I learned with Ulm. And while I don't play much MP, I think Ulm does have things to recommend it. The strategies are rather simple for a beginning player.
Forging decent items in appropriate numbers is easiest to learn when you are forging items for half cost with dwarven hammers. I like to use eyes of aiming on my smiths. You can see the difference that makes with blade wind.
I find Ulm useful for learning the strengths of the various independent magi. And for using a rainbow pretender. Those Ulmish troops start to totally rock when combined with Gift of Health and spells such as level-9 mechanical militia.
I find that extra fortresses benefit Ulm as they do almost no other nation. Because they allow recruitment of your strong national troops anywhere.
I find pikeneers useful against abyssia. My usual recruitment is black plate pikeneers or morningstars. Depending on the force I'm facing.
Ulm is fun.
