Oh sure, I recognize the retainer action is quite useful. I haven't used it much for a couple of reasons: First, I usually want the new family member to marry first, I spend the first few influence points on that. Not only because I want to ensure the next generation grows (mortality can hit rather hard), but also because I find the wives quite useful in their own right...so much more significant than in R2. Second, I like having the Companion offices filled (with characters of both sides); with 3 or 4 of these guys, it's a pretty significant agri-wealth boost. The nature of climate change pretty much ensures that all provinces will have several food slots, most likely taken by sheep/goats/camels depending on faction.

By the time I get one or both of these goals fulfilled, usually I've found a job for a guy by then.

It's perfectly possible that I've got my priorities out of whack here, and should perhaps emphasize retainership earlier.