Agree with the thought of the post, and I do the same. I research construction at a lower priority, don't build many SC's...usually 2 or 3 that i want to be my "heroes", set the AI to mighty or impossible, and stale a couple of turns.
Unfortunately I still end up bailing on a game when it gets to the point of castle grinding (AI throws up a LOT of forts on impossible)...but its fun up till then
Recently started multiplayer, and its very very fun and much more difficult in that it seems every little decision is going to bite you in the rear at some point. Plus, diplomacy is both fun and scary!