What do I think? It's one of my most anticipated games of 2008

So many great memories of playing the original KB on my Sega Genesis, and I really hope this one captures the same magic as the original. Few questions though:
1) Is the story line going to have anything to do with the original KB? If not, will there be "throw backs" to the first game (referrences to maybe some of the villians ect)?
2) Do you controll any other "armies" other then your main character (and his army)? Personally I hope it's just one...I tend to (even in HOMM games) focus on one army/hero anyways.
3) Will there be obtainable players castles that can be upgraded?
4) Will there be castle sieges, and if so, will they require siege weapons?
-and a couple concerns-
1) This game looks VERY similar to HOMM V (from screen shots)...I hope it has a lot different gameplay mechanics and try's to be unique. I want this to be a true KB game, not a HOMM V knock off (thats right, KB was first

).
2) PLEASE NO STARFORCE! The pirates crack that crap anyways, and it just pisses off ligitimate customers. Look at Stardock and their success...with NO copy protection. Anyways, I know you guys will probably use copy protection no matter what, but just don't use Starforce...I don't want that crap on my system.
Thats all I can think of for now. Anyways, the game looks GREAT so far from the screen shots, and I really can't wait for this game. I hope there is some news on when we all can expect KB: The Legend in stores.