I have started a new game of the 218 scenario, with the beta patch, and it greatly improves the game. Hannibal has maintained a viable army, kept it supplied, and made several attempts to invade southern Italy. He even won some battles against larger Roman armies, though he also had some minor defeats. The AI is more active and much better.
The major problem at this point is that Hannibal still seems unable to destroy a large Roman Army, something he pulled off three times historically. But the game is much more challenging and accurate now.