[cfarrell]

I guess maybe the big difference is that the games I've played have been more like 90 minutes. I agree Stone Age feels long, as does the Cheops game, and to me both of those game definitely drag - especially towards the end - while Struggle did not (although some AP types can lock up on the movment thing). I should also say Struggle works quite well with 3 players, which not all Settlers games do.

I'm surprised you rate Nürnburg the best ... I like it too, but the lack of a Knight or similar card to drive off the Robber can make it extremely frustrating at times, especially as you get to watch your numbers go by (due to using the card deck instead of dice) knowing that they won't come back. If it weren't for that one thing, I'd rate it higher, but as it is I prefer the original and Starfarers.