After spending more time with this and reading up a bit on how things work I am here to say...easy "mTk Seal of Approval."
Just repelled what turned out to be pretty feeble attack by the Yankees on Henry House Hill at the 1st Battle of Manassas. I learned that skirmisher formations can really mess up an AI advance to the point where it has to come to a complete stop, fire off several volleys and then (maybe) it will finally put its big-boy pants on and advance to melee. By the time that happened against 3 companies of skirmishers the attacks were late, piecemeal and uncoordinated against Jackson's well placed brigades. The attacks failed miserably. Now Johnston's 4 brigades of fresh infantry have arrived on the field and as soon as I can get them up onto the Union right we are going to get some!
Don't get me wrong, the AI does a fine job. It's just that the proper use of skirmishers can be very effective.
The way the campaign works is around time. Usually you have three dated battles to chose from, two "small" and one major fight. You can do them in any order, but seems to be best to do the smaller ones first. If you win then you can use the money and new recruits to add to your army capabilities before they are sorely tested by the next larger encounter.
Army admin is actually fun. Between each fight you can replace losses in men and guns, upgrade weapons and commanders, add earned overall perks, create new brigades, etc. I find that to be a lot of fun rather than tedious. You can personalize each brigade if you like. My 1st Brigade in my 1st Div. is the 1st Montara Volunteers (or course). The Army of No. Virginia is led by Maj. General T. L. Hickman. Woot!
Anyway, this is quite a game. Gorgeous to look at, easy to learn/play and a lot of gaming for the price. For an RTS war game I am seriously impressed.