Hello sburke,
I'm quite old myself and understand exactly where you're coming from. I have played Squad Leader, Panzer General, and ASL back in the day and always dreamed of something like this. I'm also new to the series with Black Sea. Sadly what turned me off initially to the series was the graphics of CMx1. I had watched YouTube battles from people and it looked kind of silly.
But to be honest I haven't felt this way about a game since CC: A Bridge to Far, which was the reason why I purchased my first 'super' computer. So, I became hooked on the CC series. G.I. Combat wasn't too bad but the engine was rather limiting with not having building levels and such.
Matrix games has taken the torch of CC but it just doesn't feel the same. Black Sea fills the 'void' I had of my combat needs way more then what I expected. I just can't get enough! I enjoy the WeGo, especially, so I can see all the carnage unfold up close and personal. The graphics aren't all that bad on my aging PC. I'll probably pick up Red Thunder eventually once I can muster up the time and money.
So, yeah, you're not alone.