The noob,
I'm currently using the compatible Uwac 1.7 version over GW1.1a. It edits the campaign and rnd layers i believe--adds historic battles and events.
when i say compatible i mean it does not "ctd". it adds some new ships and ports--but also takes away some of the GW ports. the only noticible "visual effect" i can tell is the sunken ships are gone due to the harbor traffic changes but the offset is a lot more harbor traffic, aircraft, Task forces, and ground textures.
I enjoy the combo--(best of both mods)--but not sure how many others have tried it. And obviously if you have problems with the install--niether the creators of Uwac or GW will be able to give you fixes due to the changed files--although BBW and a few others always seem to have a solution for almost anything