So every 2 or 3 months for probably the last 5 years I'll find myself reinstalling Civilization 3, and unable to stop myself from playing. I've never really been able to soundly win on any difficulty ...

I like to play an Expansionist Civ, and crank up the Barbarians to almost the highest level. Then run my scouts around and go into the all the villages. They are usually friendly with Expasionists, ...