A Few Questions, thinking of getting back into the game Options

[IntoTheRain]

Hello.

I recently reinstalled the game and played through the campaigns for nostalgia's sake. (its probably been at least 8 years) I'm kinda thinking about checking out online play if there is still an active group. I just had a few questions.

1) Is the game generally considered balanced? The latest version seems alright, (especially compared to 1.0) but I want to be sure there isn't something I am unaware of.

2) Are any of the mods designed for competitive play, or are they mostly single player oriented? I have tried a few, and most of them just turn the game into a giant mess of 500 units, several of which are usually terribly balanced. (pinpoint accuracy high powered artillery anyone?)

3) Are there any mods that make the AI half way decent? You can't execute rushes on them, you can't tech evenly with them, and yet...its completely hopeless at actually attacking. (or defending itself late game..)

4) Additionally, is there any mod that works on improving unit AI? Because some of it makes me want to scratch my eyes out. Jump troopers landing when units that can shoot ground are still right next to them, or units not automatically attacking enemy buildings unless specifically ordered is especially frustrating when your trying to manage several things at once.

4) And finally, are there any mods that help out with the outdated interface. Trying to scroll through 30 units to find the one your looking for is a pain. Is there a way to make the pics smaller so you can increase the number of units visible? Is there a way to force the game to sort the unit types out? I.E. all infantry/all vehicles/all aircraft/other abilities regardless of when they become available as tech options?

It does look like there are a lot of people here who still enjoy the game. So at least the game has an active (if small) community. I'm kinda hoping that either multiplayer or a well designed mod can keep my interest.

[IntoTheRain]

I have only managed to finish 3 game out of the 20 or so I have tried to play with Dusk. It crashes that much. I don't know if its a newer patch, or newer version of windows, but it is definitely frustrating.

Retro is a fine mod, I just don't see a particular reason to include units and buildings that are completely overshadowed by another unit in the game. (sandbags vs concrete anyone?)

Ramp, I'll try and grab an Xfire account, but I'm pretty busy this week. I have 2 papers due and 2 tests coming up, so I probably won't have time this week. (I'm supposed to be working on my Essay right now ) I'm having trouble getting the latest patch though. Every time I try to go online it tries to DL it again, so I have to figure out whats going on there first.