Dig,
I have found when playing on the easier setting, that throwing whatever you have at Dubai on the 19th March, first season, you can pull out a surprise and even maybe a winner....
Also found that in the first couple of seasons it is much easier to raid, (France, Ireland, US & Meydan) then it appears after 3-4 yrs as the AI appears to kick on..... or maybe my bred lot, are just naff lol......