Strategic Decision

[Wasp]

Well, Takeda got Mikawa when I wasn't planning on them getting that province, so I was pretty glad that the loyalists could wreak some havoc on that province, if only temporary. Indeed, you should be able to weaken a castle at least a few levels (or even one), but alas, that's the way it is (I would've loved a diplomacy system which emulated the historical situation; for example, Ieyasu who gets the Kanto for his old provinces).

Oda is indeed nothing more than two provinces without infrastructure; they do have Toyotomi though (thankfully he didn't spawn in a ashigaru unit). My main problem is borders and amount of troops/infrastructure. My current strategy is pretty much building/turtling in the east and carefully expanding in the west. But maybe you guys have other suggestions? The Takeda-border sounds like a good plan as well, but I'd need more troops for a manouvre like that, I think.

[Martok]

I can't really think of any particular advice to give, as you're already doing pretty much what I would in your situation. Just keep moving westward, take over Shikoku, and eventually move into Kyushu and link up with your provinces there. It's regrettable that this will probably necessitate the destruction of the Shimazu, but I think it's your best plan of action right now.