
About Evil Men Mine Sweep: this sounds like the "suicide attack" trick I made up at the River of Fire strategy, but in bigger size. I'll try to come up with an alternative version which focuses purely on the explosive stuff (some advices from you wouldn't hurt, though)

Note: gunpowder is ONE word, not two

About Isengard Mine Sweep: yeah, I've heard about that strategy a lot, and seen videos on YouTube based on this. From what I can tell, it takes a long time to master. One of the big problems is the immense cost; you can't really construct Explosive Mines in great number until mid-late/late game, and until then you have to build up a formidable base defense and stable economy, which can be quite hard in great matches. The second problem is, as you said, enemy Fire attacks - something which isn't rare in late game. Also, people sometime accidently blow up the mines before the time is right (I guess this is rare, but I've heard about it once). I guess the distraction - sneak in - blow up path does work, though. I'll try it out and see what happens.
Note: Watch this. You MUST.
http://www.youtube.c...feature=related