Can I share my opinion?
Although I haven't played in any Heroes 4 tournaments, it's precisely because I don't have "Warlords of the Ancient Races."
However, I do have the original Heroes 4 in English, and I haven't bought any expansions and don't plan to, because I'm not that much of a fan. It's enough to download new maps from the internet.
I would gladly play in some tournament... But what happens? I'm not allowed because the version is wrong.
That's why "Equilibrium" is so good – it can be installed on any version of Heroes 4 in any language. So, who here is talking about newcomers? Or do you think that everyone has a licensed copy of "Warlords of the Ancient Races"? Believe me (although you may not), that's not the case. And in this respect, "Equilibrium" is a more accessible and widespread version, which would contribute more to popularizing and promoting Heroes 4.
Note that I haven't said anything about balance, etc. I'm just refuting your insinuations about the greater popularity of "Warlords of the Ancient Races." And if we also remember the balance and gameplay fixes, then any arguments become completely pointless. In other words, just say directly that you are conservatives and don't like new things, and there's no need to come up with other excuses.
That's my well-reasoned opinion.