I hope you installed the EDCT in optional fixes not the one in temporary... That's a trait file nerf useful only if there's a trait-caused CTD so you can use it 1 turn and that's all.

Regarding stars, sometimes you get a batch of young good generals that if you send to school and use them in good fights might end up with a lot of stars I had a 10 stars general... I think I had a FL with 10 in everything in my 0.81 Sauromatae campaign.