I have to admit that it seems like AI vs. player and I think that is the root of the matter.

Since there is now the penalty for not honoring agreements the latest tactic seems to be a trade partner declares war on a protectorate. (the last one I had in a GB campaign was Sweden going to war with the 13 Colonies)

The tribes do go to war with other European factions however. The Cherokee are indiscriminate in their DoWs. The others do seem to concentrate on the player instead of AI factions from what I can see. My war with France was also over the Colonies, but they actually attacked and took some of them. Never mind that the let one rebel to become the US.

There is still the illogical behavior of blockaded ports not being cleared and trading partners seem to be top priorities for AI DoWs. I could have easily made a trade agreement with Denmark but did not just to see what happened. Denmark may be the only country in Europe who has not been at war with its neighbors. On the other hand, the Ottoman Empire has one of the strongest fleets in the game, but all their trade is blocked by a Polish Brig and they won’t clear the port. At least for another 10 or 20 turns. Still though, the DoWs do not seem to be quite as bad as in the past. I have managed to avoid most entanglements in Europe but I have one ally and no protectorates. Trade partners are dwindling and those actively trading is an ever shrinking commodity.

But this is only the first campaign with the new patch. I am not ready to condemn it across the board. But perhaps soon...