Is my strategy realistic?

[Cheexsta]

Casse. I'm playing as the Romans so I prefer to think in Latin terms.

[Rottweiler]

I pillaged some "rebel" city of eastern Iberia to gain more cash to start second Punic War. Then I tried to give rebellous city to Karthadastim to make the game more challenging, but they refused. So I abadoned the city and after couple of turns it was occupied, not by rebels(as I hoped), but people supporting Koinon Hellenon faction(since the rebel city had a Greek culture) and thus resulted an unnecessary early war against Koinon Hellenons. It kind of spoiled the epic feeling of conquering the Karthadastim controlled Iberia.

I restarted the Romani campaign, but first I lowered morale stats Romani units, lowered cost of some Carthaginian specific units and chosed "hard" battle difficulty instead of recommended "medium". Battles seems more challenging and enjoyable right now. There is even some tough fighting going on during 1st punic war in Sicily, as it should be. I try fo follow Roman history as close as possible in planning of my campaign. (ie. I conquer provinces in historical timeline.)

But to stay on topic: no faction has ever accepted conquered rebel towns/provinces I offer them. I have pillaged rebel towns several times to gain cash and then tried to give them to AI factions.

[Cheexsta]

Try offering a small sum of money with the town and make sure you offer it as a gift. Generally, you'll only need to spend a couple thousand minai, at most 10k. 2000 is usually enough, though.