Ha, bought the game on release five years ago and finally playing it.
Sadly, the forums suggest huge cheating on the part of the AI no matter what side you play. Also, a very reliable friend and skilled player says it's just not winnable.
However, there is so much excellent chrome to it I am finding playing hotseat against oneself is the way to go.
Admittedly, have not tried pbem, but simply don't have the years left to finish a MP game!
I've got close to Moscow, but alas never completed the conquest. Yes there are people that have beaten the game, quite handily by some. Check the AAR forum.
Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Be Yourself; Everyone else is already taken" ~Oscar Wilde
*I'm in the Wargamer middle ground*
I don't buy all the wargames I want, I just buy more than I need.