Thats a pretty good writeup for a first day event.
You will find that the balance in Dominions isnt nation vs nation. Its more of a rock-paper-scissors type of balance. Each nation tends to have abit easier time against some nations, and a rough time against others.
They also each have unique features that makes them fit certain plaing styles. When you find the nation that best matches your playing style then you will do better against the AIs (though not a cakewalk against other human players who have discovered which nation fits THEM best)
Gandalf Parker