Just catching up and had a look at the 28MM DBA game-it did look very effective though I am not sure I could live long enough to start DBA in 28... as for fiddly plastics I have just put together 8 modern infantry from Warlord (thanks Alan) and I agree they are a pain.
Have a look at the Victrix ancients. Really good, and very easy to put together. I box of their Romans will give you enough for the foot for a DBA Roman Polybian or Republican army, (you will have to add some cavalry) for a period opponent, they do Carthaginians, plus Numidians and War elephants.