Warlords questions

Ok I have a few questions.

1. I have heard warlords 3 darklords rising is better in every way to warlords 2. I have also heard the opposite. Can anyone clarify this? Is the ai better in 3 or something?

2. What are the differences between warlords 2 and warlords 2 deluxe besides the graphics and music? Are there balancing differences or changes in the ai?

3. Has anyone played Telestians? It's supossed to be a spiritual successor to warlords, but I'm curious as to if it holds up to them.