I'm only on Chapter 5 so far (same dificulty and setting as you).  I actually would have beat chapter 5 but one troop died near the end of the battle and I was like "nooo, I can't have you die" so I reset.

edit: I made a careless move.

You'll find that happening a lot, I feel. One guy slightly too far forward, or missing an archer has a longbow instead of a normal one and an hour's work is completely destroyed.

well i'm in chapter 7 , but none of my characters are above level 10 , i'm loving this game too bad i don't have that much time to play because i love the characters , i only wish the downloadable characters could have supprts too , but well

So, how is this compared to say, Path of Radiance? Better, as good or not quite there?

I've been avoiding reading the thread due to spoilers, but i would like to know the level of satisfaction here. :)

it's  better , the  game oozes  quality , and  the  strategy is  intact  with better visuals and unlimited  supports  and  lot's  of  fan service(if  you have  played the  older games)

I guess you can at least talk to other characters in the DLC chapter...

I don't have the game, but the consensus is better, easily the best in the series. You'll see when you get round to playing the game

i know , but  iit  would be  cool , and the spot  pass characters are  impossible  to recruit haha that eliwood  is  just sitting in my map teasing me to fight , but  i think i'll save  money and  pay for  him :P