I shared a few PM's with someone who has played both ages extensively. Here is a PM they sent me...
Quote Originally Posted by PM to Rota
I noticed your thread on Age I v. Age II, and I didnt feel like entering the argument but having played both ages, age I a lot more cause its been around longer, you would shocked to see the number of players in Age II, that are high ranked well respected and generally considered top players (they also spend a bunch) and wouldn't have lasted a month in Age I.

Its actually unbelievable from an Age I perspective.