Quote Originally Posted by sapi
As for the HRE, you're a target because you go for rebel settlements that the AI also wants, and because the pope doesn't like you enough to protect you.
Very true - i wonder what would happen as HRE if you just turtled at the beginning of the game - dont take any rebel provinces that border your enemies, just concentrate on building up your starting provinces and improving relations with the pope. Doubt anyones actually tried that yet!