Long war is too long imo, I edited the research ratio to being a little less slow.
Later on it's fine, as once you get a few laboratories & scientists it pulls ahead - but until that happens you have to go months & months before you even get lasers & basic armour.
I had a fully upgraded base (almost all slots done with x4 bonus) well before I had any tech, this meant that as soon as the research credits came in I ended up moving from lasers->plasma in no time at all.
I toned down the early research requirements (by a fair bit) & increased the later ones (but about half) - this provided a far more satisfying experience. I also reduced the injury/rest timers by about 50% - as those 35 day injury's really start to add up).
I took a pretty assault based mix for it, no (major) lack of firepower but obviously a bit hamstrung for range. Made it MOST fun though. 
and outside of UFO missions the game barely gives you any alloys. I think they held the mod back from being perfect with the air battles, at least until you realize that certain research and engineered items that increase the amount of alloys you find is invaluable at the beginning, too late now though. 
