The 3rd stage of the annual John Van Caneghem Tournament (2007).

Yes, what we really need is Arcomage :)
You could plan for it, just don't make the key battles so that they can be automated, and that's it. Why are long battles even needed, it's unclear. In my opinion, a good map should be interesting, challenging, and dynamic.

You're telling me not to make the key battles long (although the walkthrough might depend on battles that aren't key either). I'm not the organizer. We can't discuss Heroes 4 maps right now, but it seems to me that there are long battles in them. What's the point of your wishes?
Or will everything be good again only from the next tournament? :)