You can pick up the Gold Edition for like 10 bones or something. That my friend will be the best $10 you spend in a very long time. Save your $50 or whatever AoK/TC costs these days. Buy AoE/RoR for first.
I think what Phill really meant to say concerning AoK/TC is that it sux and resux. Actually he nailed it as usual. It is very much a matter of opinion.
Knowledge is not power until it is formulated into an organized plan of action.