I've heard similar ideas, too. And it was all just a dream...lol. One of my favorite things about WHF was how their world matched up with ours, but it was just a Gothic, magical version. This is why Mierce appeal to me the most, because it follows this script without relying on a conventional fantasy structure of elves and dwarves.
Funny thing about Mierce. Over on Dakka I actually bashed them. Very badly. I basically put it down for being confusing and strange. I also stated that it was impossible to get a feel for the factions because the descriptions on the website were poorly written and archaic. And I still believe they should be rewritten to read a bit friendlier. I also said that the sculpt's were great, but that many were just too out there for me. But the creator of the line immediately answered by defending what Mierce was to me. He said that he wanted to be different, that if you wanted a world of elves and dwarves etc, that there are plenty of them out there, take your pick. He also stated that he admits the terminology can be initially a little off-putting, but that they were taken from historical sources and they grow on you. So I took a longer look at the line and each of the factions, and I started to notice the distinctive traits of each faction. And I surprised myself by really celebrating the uniqueness of his brand, and bizarreness. Well let me just say that it made his day to find that he made a believer out of someone that was once disgusted by the brand.
Anyway, just an interesting side story. Warmachine? I'd probably play 40k first, though I do like their Soviet type faction. Hordes never grew on me either...but as you say...maybe it's time to move on. I will def look at those sculpt's you mentioned because I'm still considering entering P3'd Lock and Load painting comp.