Actually the Senate does applaud aggressiveness even if the settlements you take are minor. That I can attest to. And, too, I have taken Sparta, Athens and Corinth many times in games with a Roman faction over the last five years of gaming and not received any kudos in the form of spontaneous awards from the Senate for doing so. I do think there are times that when you take a city that is a bit distant from the rest of your holdings the Senate then issues a gift of money or plans games in your honor for your initiative.
Nevertheless, I shall experiment.
Bookmarks