Quote Originally Posted by Sinan
I would have liked to see the concept expanded, and the AI use this as well. I've hardly ever seen the AI use a fort.
I mentioned already if someone is using this as an exploit why don't they just change other factors in the simple text files to suit them. Modify the stat file...etc. This is a lot simpler way to cheat.
Fair enough i suppose - i never use them myself, in any capacity, though it is still very tempting to put merchants in there to protect them - i've managed to resist... so far.

I agree that it would be good to see the AI use forts more, but if was to start using the merchant protection 'exploit' as well then merchant aquisitions would become almost impossible. Hence i think forts should be limited in some way, either by costing upkeep, or by requiring at least one (full strength) military unit to be in there at all times - strategic agents shouldnt count.