I've played balance maps on Might and Magic many times, and they are quite playable. The template structure is slightly different - the strength of the guards between zones has been reduced, and some villages have been removed (see the diagram).
There will be no meeting on the balance map in 95% of cases. There won't be enough offensive power to reach the enemy, unless they place a couple of cons near the castle.
Yes, with each game, I find that Might and Magic balance maps are becoming more and more playable :):smile54: