1.3.1, Maratha steamroller - the only AI with a "purpose"?

[Slaists]

It seems, that regardless of what faction the player picks, Marathas is the only AI faction that seems to shoot straight for their respective goals. Usually, by 1740'ies they have taken over ALL of India, Persia and are pushing straight into Anatolia and across the Caucasus into Russia. I suspect, that if they player picks factions such as Prussia, Austria, Sweden, etc. (factions that do not have any goals in India), and strictly adheres to the long campaign goals, Marathas might come out as winners (have their 25 province goal) or there'd be a tie between the player and the Indians.

The question is, why only Marathas? Why are other potent AI factions (Spain, Britain, France, Russia, Ottomans) seemingly unable to demonstrate any kind of pointed direction (towards their respective campaign goals)?

[PseRamesses]

Simple. They have only one way to go.

[Sheogorath]

One way to go, only one major enemy to fight, no money issues ever...

Oh, and elephants. I bet it has something to do with having elephants.

[Servius]

Yep, that's what I thought too. They have relatively few variables to deal with:
- Only one major opponent to deal with at a time (first Mughals, then Persia). Portugal and Mysore are trivial hindrances.
- Only one direction (northwest) to expand and be threatened by.
- No economic problems due to prosperous/wealth towns, internal trade goods for export, and many ports.

The little German states are in the complete opposite situation. They're completely surrounded by potential enemies, their regions, though rich, are tiny.

[Sheogorath]

You forgot to mention the elephants. Very important, elephants.

[Beskar]

another thing is, everyone in Europe is allied to each other on many different fronts.