Quote Originally Posted by Peasant Phill
you'll probably end up facing a huge army when otherwise you could've fought the AI's forces piece meal. It may be what you're looking for but it sure isn't the easiest way.
I think that is the result that you should look for. Especially since after all those retreats the enemy king will have developped nice v&v. Forcing a enemy king that with very few stars or giving a morale penalty to lead the army is often a very good way to have the AI loose the benefit of its best generals.