I didn't like the sounds in Starcraft. Anyway, I do agree sounds were better in AoK, I liked the music better for instance.
However, I don't believe sound is the problem why people are complaining about AoM. I think intermediates and experts are getting more and more demanding about games. They look for ways to exploit everything they can, and once they find them, they automatically want a patch.
The reality is you can't talk about how people like AoM based on ESO, MFO, Heavengames or whatever other site. As Mr. Street has stated several times, most of the market are casual gamers who might play multiplayer through IP with friends and relatives or not play multiplayer at all. They don't care about patches, or how Set, Cronoss or Isis are overpowered. They don't care about their Classical times or whatever.
Being a casual gamer, I can tell you most of us have fun going to the last age and having huge battles. Patches are welcome, but not sought. These are the people who keep buying the game. People who are playing v 1.0 and are having a lot of fun, not competing with anyone, not exploiting the game.
Changing subject, sciborg2 is right. Most people want games that are slower, and more relaxing, that's why all the Sims games and Zoo Tycoon continue to sell. It's a lot easier to make a bengal tiger happy than mastering playing Poseidon.
Co-Author of the Aztec Civilization Outline for AoM.
Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro to do The Hobbit!
Chichén Itzá is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World!