I'm not sure about monster games. Whether they are complicated enough that player have enough tools to influence battle tactically. Or is it complex because there are so many units to move around. HPS series have good OOB, map, better tactical approach and price.
If you are speaking about WitP I would say both, I can assure you that a skilled player will always win against a newbie.
You'll be able to order the construction of a few extra sections of rail-roads yes, but only through historical options.
Perfect!
For supply, we are thinking of proposing a new system where supply only really matters in tense situations, like travelling in poor areas, being under siege. Basically, you can forget about supply except in these situations. This is again to help new players climb the hill (or is it a mountain) of the playing curve.
If it is an option and not the only system I totally agree, but when I was a newbie of the game the supply system wasn't my main concern, again maybe it is just me.
As for battle, what can help new players, for you?
I think that manual is poor in this matter and how the battle works was my main concern, too many things not so clear or missing from manual, I would add a section that explain exactly how the system is handle (something close to Narwhal's AJE guides, very good job indeed).