Chris,
I'm having the same sort of trouble. My Mac is a G3/300; 128 Ram; ATI Rage Orion with 16 MB; my screen is set at 640 x 480 at 120 mhz.I have yet to check the various drivers and accelerators that you listed.
I have had no trouble with the smoke or anything. Many occasions, I set my various tank and infantry movements and press GO. BLIP, I'm at the desktop. Whatever movements I've programmed in are saved. However, I'm getting frustrated with having to re-start so often.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Other than that,the game is terrific. Thanks, Tom