@askthepizzaguy

I just read your thread about conquering 108 provinces before turn 60. I have to admit I never thought the "abuse" of the crusades could reach such a scale, and please do not understand "abuse" as a derrogatory remark. I am basically impressed. I do not like to play the game like that, but that is my gaming style. I am not judging your style either, this is just a game after all.

I have to admit I have not played that much with catholic factions since I find them a little bit to much aim them and slug it out. Muslim factions add a little bit more in my opinion. Must admit, haven't played with eastern european factions though. And I seldom use crusades/jihads, only to keep up with the AI.

Anyway, I seem to remember that I tried crusading with the English in my initial campaign, and that I lost a lot of unit to desertion (playing 1.3). Have you tried your crusade tactic with the latest patch? I am not completely sure it will work since you loose units if you do not approach or slowly approach the crusade goal. It could also be because I only use a single stack army, so it could have an influence as at least one of your stacks is getting close to its destination.