I ended up buying CMRT both for the PC and Mac, and I've been playing it like an idiot. "Idiot" in this case means both (a) that I'm playing it a lot; and (b) that I'm getting my ass routinely kicked even on veteran level. I sure hope other people have started out so miserably with this series.
I'am still playing Normandy since i'am not a big fan of Eastern Front:) The game definitely teaches you humility and tenacity. Countless of times when things were fine i still managed to do sth stupid a loose a won battle:) Every turn is a lesson in CM games!