[ano]

IMO, one of the serious advantages of a nation is the ability to build fast cheap forts. And that is what makes, for instance, EA Mictlan who has cheap forts in mountains and forests far better than LA Mictlan who has fortcities everywhere. When you're short of money, this really makes a difference and when you have cheap little mages, ideal for research and other tasks, build time is your money, research and potential.
So I definitely agree with Sombre.