Nice article from a true Civ fan! But what is this you say: >>>I love all things Civ, and I’ll probably even pick up CTP cheap at some point, despite the problems I've heard about it.<<<
CTP is an excellent game and for me it has been better then the rest of the Civ games and equally as fun as Alpha Centauri. If you can get it then do so and you will have more of those fun unforgetable Civ moments. You know those long gaming nights and the times at work when you are actually thinking about what you are going to do next in your present Civ game.
I look at a game of CTP or SMAC as an event. Something that I kind of have to plan. You know maybe taking a day or two off from work or setting up a night where I can play without being bothered. Top quality time the Civ way