[jp10]

IMO the most replay limiting factor in a war game is terrain. You can try different formations, strategies and nations but good attack routes and danger areas will always be the same. The right flank attack thru the forest will usually be better than the left wing attack across the open field.
This is why I always found the Close Combat series lacking. You could change the units/sides but the unchanging map terrain would always dictate the same tactics/routes for success.
I find the preferences solution too global. Lowering appropriate values usually only produces quicker routing than surrenders.