on the flip side.

i just started a new romani campaign using konny's houserules, and i must say that it makes more sense. the provinces develop much easier and you economy doesn't take such a nasty hit.

A type four government is nothing more than a permanent alliance with a small settlement. just as if you were allying with a large faction, you must pay a tribute/bribe to keep the ally happy with you and doing your bidding. The same is true with a type IV govt: you are paying the client ruler to keep the settlement in check for you. The fees of keeping up a client ruler is negligible; however, more than 3 can be taxing esp. when you are trying to expand or at war with a competitive faction.

my best advice is to not use a type IV unless you NEED it. they are really expensive to keep up and are nothing more than a sure-fire way to make (and keep) an alliance.