Unfortunatly, I have to agree to many of the things you say. The constant server crashes infuriates players and make any idea of real money investment in this game a practical joke.
Defense has been so beefed up their is no way to beat other stong players unless you pitch an army 10 times stronger. I am still enjoying the game, but for how long? I totally agree their should be some kind of main achievement, like subjugating an entire realm to your alliance, then founding a grand kingdom and try to conquer the world; endgame.
Otherwise the game is just about getting bigger and bigger.
Like spending your life at Mc'Donalds.