I've been playing with PlayOnLinux, trying and run the game on Arch 64 bit.

I used PlayOnLinux to install the Settlers 3 (GOG Installer)
I tried many times with different settings, finally it worked without choosing packages at all.

I had few errors during install process, but it did not crash and finished.
the game would start only with into movie disabled at setup.
at this stage the game worked, but stuck on level loading (i couldn't find out why).
the game asked for serial code.

then i tried replacing S3.exe with patched 1.60 CD version.
game starts but request for CD (don't have of course) - and exit.

I replaced S3.EXE with the original GOG file.
and the game started. without requesting serial number!

I could play start the roman campaign, but it works kinda slow, and got the whole system stuck (reboot) when i pressed "Exit game". again, i'm not sure why is that, probably because while it replaces the EXE files, it changed something in the game data.

So, since it's "almost" working, can you please create a normal installer for PlayOnLinux so i and other Linux users will be able to enjoy this game?

interesting, i had the same problem today when i tried to install it on manjaro linux, even tried the patched S3.exe from the CD version, but never thought about copying the old gog file back :D