RTW: Automanage system

[Dominii]

Hi everyone, I just started another game as the Julii with all settlements automanaged for a change. I noticed that although I chose a slightly easier setting M/H rather than H/VH, I was able to get more money per turn by having my settlements auto-managed even with governers in than if I manually chose buildings to build any units to create. Although I had to manually chose units when I didnt need any any more but the AI still trained them.

So, do you think it's easier or better to use auto-managed settlements or manually managed settlements in the game? And what are the pros and cons of both?

[Garvanko]

I always allow the AI to auto-manage the taxation, while I micro-manage the building construction and unit training.

The pros
The AI will always set taxes to the highest possible, but will lower taxes where public order drops through increased squalor, lack of govt building etc.

I can focus on building and training units where and when I want without having to change taxes every turn. Also helps me focus my building plans in conjunction with the taxation/public order e.g. I see a green face, I build a Shipwright or an Agora to take advantage of a happy populace, I see a blue face, I increase the garrison or build a temple or Arena or whatever will relieve the impending riot etc

The cons
So far, none.


Its true I could make more money if I managed taxation myself, but I honestly have far too much to do in the game to want to get bogged down like that. besides, i am very comfortable with my current system. Thing is, if you let the AI auto-manage everything, it will invariably construct buildings or train units that you don't want at that particular time. Let the AI manage taxation, you do the rest - a partnership, of sorts. Works a treat. Depends also on what I am doing at the time - expanding or consolidating.

[x-dANGEr]

I never used the Automanage system, so I'd say manual. (But then again, I only know if my citizens are sad through a riot message.. If my empire is great, that is)

[Severous]

I micromanage everything. AI controls nothing.

Pros - Its me playing. I am accountable for what I build and believe I do a better job than the AI. More money, better govenor traits, more suitable buildings.

Cons - It takes ages especially the late game turns when I have 30+ settlements to manage.

[Mooks]

Taxes only. You have to take it off to get a settlement to rebel though.

[x-dANGEr]

I micromanage everything. AI controls nothing.

Pros - Its me playing. I am accountable for what I build and believe I do a better job than the AI. More money, better govenor traits, more suitable buildings.

Cons - It takes ages especially the late game turns when I have 30+ settlements to manage.
Nah.. I only play till I have around 15, the game would be done by then anyway. So I advice you do the same ~:)

[Severous]

Play only until only 15 regions! No way.

The biggest and best battles come 20 years into the game when im coming up to 40 regions and against developed powers. A sprawling empire with public order problems and huge distances to cover. Money isnt a problem, just pace of the game and getting resources in the right place.

[Garvanko]

I play until it becomes less of a challenge and more of a chore, which is pretty late in the game anyway.

[The Spartan (Returns)]

I always allow the AI to auto-manage the taxation, while I micro-manage the building construction and unit training.

The pros
The AI will always set taxes to the highest possible, but will lower taxes where public order drops through increased squalor, lack of govt building etc.

I can focus on building and training units where and when I want without having to change taxes every turn. Also helps me focus my building plans in conjunction with the taxation/public order e.g. I see a green face, I build a Shipwright or an Agora to take advantage of a happy populace, I see a blue face, I increase the garrison or build a temple or Arena or whatever will relieve the impending riot etc

The cons
So far, none.


Its true I could make more money if I managed taxation myself, but I honestly have far too much to do in the game to want to get bogged down like that. besides, i am very comfortable with my current system. Thing is, if you let the AI auto-manage everything, it will invariably construct buildings or train units that you don't want at that particular time. Let the AI manage taxation, you do the rest - a partnership, of sorts. Works a treat. Depends also on what I am doing at the time - expanding or consolidating.
Im going to try that. (auto-manage taxes only)