As for the factions you mentioned if you see carefully the features you will understand the even rebel minor factions will have life through the events!
For examble:In 1085ad if the bulgars will not be a full faction they surely start a huge rebelion in the central and north balcan territories in order to make the life of the player who has chossen Byzantium a living hell and to follow as possible as we can the real history...
I am sure Hross has more info for such events in the west side of europe!!!

I do not know how to start a new topic in this thead or to open here the pole for the members to vote....Any help is wellcomed!