Yes the peasants seem less docile than in the original STW (as the ronin's are more agressive), but this is what we asked for, a less boring end game.

I use shinobi and border forts also, because garrisons (with low honor taisho's)can and do get bribed by opposing clan's.

Ths strategic units seem stronger now, it takes less shinobi to provoke a revolt or calm down your peasants. Ninja's have more success.

The daimyo and heirs as strategic units have more importance also. When my daimyo gets old, i kind of retire him (no more battles) and pump up the heirs honor in battles.

This way when my old daimyo dies , i have an new Daimyo with high honor. Like they say in the guide book "a weak daimyo will get no respect" from his subjects.