More recently (last night actually) I thought of something that might, or might not help. Rather than each WM or WH player having an army, and then fighting games dependant on perceived time constraints. What about each Empire having a fixed 'points pool', so each player could end up fighting with either a 1000pt, 1500pt or 2000pt army depending upon what resources are allocated to them. Rather than mucking about with banners, just have these three lists pre-selected and go with those. That way an Empire can focus resources on important missions, and if you have a points-surrender system for MH gold then it can also be used to boost or repair MH warbands when it seems necessary. Points surrender might also be used to exchange for intel, activate special features and so on as well. In effect your Empire's army is its treasury, and the beauty is that it would never increase, thus helping to maintain overall campaign balance and avoid the 'winning steamroller syndrome'...

I suspect that someone has already thought of this before though, and if so has it been tried at all?

Oh and on the matter of experimental lists. I think that a 'with opponents consent' is pretty much vital for this. When I brought the Norse with me a couple of years ago I ensured that before each game I asked my opponent if they'd mind fighting against Norse, and if they did I had no problem with using my Empire army instead.

David.