Researching or stealing research?

[FactionHeir]

I find Westphalia and Georgia consistently very advanced in Enlightenment and Agriculture. Only in 1 game did Württemberg actually pick up pace.

3 gents is optimum. While more still boost research, its not quite as effective and diminishes heavily. 4 is still alright if necessary, but don't go above that - you might as well put him in a new school.

Regarding stealing, tier 1 has a decent chance if you got a very good starting gentleman. If not, don't bother unless you are the constant reloading type. Reason being that you'd research it yourself quicker than you can steal it.