Alpaca, I put in a post as monkeytool over at TWC. I have had no problems accepting mercenaries. I recently(as the French) received two 150man units of Vikings for 2000 denarii. It was great although they did not last long. Oh , well. It works for me. Also, no troubles with rebels. In fact i have yet to have a CTD(knock on wood) and I am 30+ years into the game.

diBorgia