The reason I like this set-up is that it offers something for base takers too, A more difficult challenge. More troops required etc. Yet it can't really turn into a milk run as it is limited to a few bases.
The reason an NOE sneak attack works in the MA is that there are so many flashing bases, no one pays enough attention to be able to mount a defense in time, might be different with only a couple to watch out for.
Also, each side almost has to defend territory as well.
In the MA good fights could be anywhere and therefore sometimes seem to be nowhere.
Here, they seem to be more focused.