Never heard of it. I'll add it to my prescribed list of readings right after Eisenhorn.
Since they changed the matchmaking to Steam, DoW2 one has become a lot more playable. The one thing I don't like about it is how vision got changed. I can't see anything unless I spread my units apart, but can't seem to kill anything if they aren't grouped. I think I'll go back to DoW1 when the next Steam sale rolls around. It's that or find a new disk drive.
Have you tried the Ultimate Apocalypse and Tyranid mods for Soulstorm?
Nasty? Maybe. As my Pekiti Tirsia instructor says, "there is nothing more dangerous than a lack of information except misinformation." Part of why I like the Eldar so much.
Just some words of advice regarding jumping into the tabletop games (should I or should I not, ideas on team comps, etc.) In terms of the PC games... honestly I don't know. It wasn't until I watched a few DoW1 tournament games that I realized just how terrible I was in general. My matches rarely get beyond the level of "fastest base built wins" level (except against my brother who insists on quickstart). So, any and all advice beyond what's in the instruction manuals (especially concerning Eldar) would be greatly appreciated.