I think KC's Roman line shows that they aren't the "master of the TS universe" as a lot of us hold them out to be. KC is without a doubt, the master of the WW2 universe but there are eras that are somewhat out of their league and well, the Romans were. I think the fort was just fantastic and the Barbarians were probably the better done of the two series (Romans and Barbs). Just my thoughts though.
I still feel, and I am sure most will agree with me, that money no object, St. Pete is clearly the gold standard of the Romans or ancient world. I haven't seen anything to date that has led me to believe otherwise. I personally am very impressed by East of India's Roman protos that we have seen so far. I am also eagerly anticipating Blackhawks Zama line. I have seen their work on the Custer series and, for the price, I think they have a quality offering.
With Conte's release of this War Galley and their buy one, get one free sale, coupled with EoI's and Blackhawks entried (and KC's for that matter, which are still all readily available), if any of you collectors were holding out for a year to collect Romans, 2008 is it.