I read the rules and made few lists, but never came to actually buying anything. I would play merovigians - ariadna subfaction anyways, so I am better off with force on force, haha.
However, I am pretty sure ruleset is free to download on their web page. There is also an expansion pack.
I can't help you with comparisson with first edition, but in last few months comunity here has grown for some 100%+