So ...

[Bob the Insane]

There is some mention that this may be a type of bug, that if you look through the units file, after the general's bodyguard the next viable Roman unit is the Archers and something odd is happening there...

I have seen this myself playing as the WRE...

Interestingly I started a Saxon campaign myself last night to see the issues you had brought up. 15000 is alot of starting funds, but it goes quickly and if you had any less I don't think you would stand any real chance at all. I too took the two nearby rebel provinces and then got into a bit of an arguement with the Franks and then the WRE... I think the WRE (and the ERE for that matter) are having a lot of problems with rebels which has diverted their attention away. I noticed that Colonia Agrippina was manned by only one general. and I had some cavalry and an assassin in range... So I took a chance and sent the assassin. With only a 30% chance he suceeded and left he town undefended for my cavalry to ride in and loot the place...

That was just before I saved and finshed last night so next I have to decide whether the keep the province or not, and see what the WRE response will be...