Yeah that's true. Although the mechanic it's pretty dumbed down, now it actually works. But it feels like going one step forward and then one step backwards again.
They really need to figure out a way of making the AI more competent.
I have the feeling that the combat pace goes faster and faster with every new title. I wish they knocked down the pace like 3 notches, not going to the extremes of Medieval 2, but something slower so the player can enjoy the battle more while fighting.