Quote Originally Posted by socal_infidel
Pastoralism gives you far more economic benefits. And I've found that nomadism isn't really worth it in provinces which don't allow recruitment of Dahae Riders. So I always go for pastoralism in the provinces I take from the AS even if they allow for nomadism.

On another note, I'm in the midst of a Pahlava campaign myself. Currently 246, and I have the option for reformed pastoralism in most of the former AS provinces. But'm holding off on opting for it, as I don't feel like losing the ability to recruit units and having to build everything up from scratch. I like my Medium Nobles and Armoured HAs.

I'm only going to undertake conversion once I take Seleukia and Babylon. Until then not worth IMO.
This is a correct approach to Pahlavân expansion. The later reformed campaign game is purely a consolidation and cultivation feature which should only be undertaken in any greater context until the two main rivals (AS and Baktria) have been taken care of. It should give a sense of front stability and a tough core in the heartlands.

Or you could equally flip the coin and make a powerful centre capable of sustaining the worst kind of beating (Think, like a magnet, attracting enemies, wearing them down with tough, reliable troops), and conduct a diversion from the steppes in a strategic flanking where you are left to take enemy settlements and cities almost undisturbed.