So is anyone else finding them different and difficult to obtain in this version?

I am seeing some very strange things. Minor countries with 4 protectorates each. Major Nations becoming protectorates of Minors and most countries will not become protectorates of the human player even under threat of death.

I did manage to secure one worthless protectorate, after I had killed them and the reemerged. They were sure to die again and only with much sweetening did they become a protectorate.

This change may have been brought about because they now count for victory conditions, which just means you have to conquer it anyway.