So, I finally got to phase 2... and I thought, that earned AP's will distribute both in phase 1 and phase 2. Like you will have a pool of AP, which you can spend in phase 1 and 2 indifferently. No, they are combined. And what I see? Lots of upgrades that you don't want to waste AP's in. So I am thinking about whether should I continue to spend APs in % of mercs in camps or begin to spend them in something from Phase 2? Probably, decreased cost to mercenaries ("Mercenary Discount") will speed up their buyout and improve the speed of finishing maps. Or maybe increase Draft Sizes? I don't really see any other profit...
I don't quite get those challenges things with autoconquering. Do they play simultaneously with maps you are playing now using your brains and hands? Or do you have to play only 1 map, whether it is a challenge or not?
Please, I need some helping hand and advice on what is best to choose... I am disappointed :(

increased AP is also sth you might want to check out.

The cost to buy it even once is so high... I don't really think it will be of any use with such price :o

Challenge levels can be done separate from the main levels