I guess it depends on what you want to try to do with the game. If you want to be thorough and get the most out the little things, or if you just like maximizing the game, then there's plenty in here to pay attention to. If you want to play and don't really want to get bogged down in details, it is possible to win the game.

If you want the best Billmen in the game then build them in Mercia; if you just want a Billman build them anywhere.

If you want to have the best guy in charge of your province that keeps getting attacked, then look around for that six star general with the Skilled Defender virtue. If you don't really care who's in charge, then it doesn't matter.

Does it matter who your next King is? If it does, then you'd better send the Inbred Good Runner heir into every battle and hope he gets killed so his Educated Gentle Knight brother can ascend to the throne.

This is a fairly deep game where most all of the factors matter to some extent. I like to play slow and take my time and maximize things; I play to relax and that helps me relax, I enjoy it.

Some folks like to rush through, not worrying too much about the details. Its all about why you play.

ichi