[jutetrea]

Hmm, I would think ideal position would be top 3 in provinces, forts, army and top 2 in gems/research. At the same time honest and willing to make a deal.

Top position seems threatening, while lower position seems weak so it would be best to stay near the top of the curve as being said.

IMO dishonesty is the worst, once you break one deal you're pretty much the lowest denominator in any future deals.

On the other hand, masses of low quality troops don't help that much and eat up the income, so troop quality needs to be considered as well as paths. Someone may look to have limited research, but they may have sped up to a high level in a particular path to take advantage of their fewer options.

Love it...now just to survive till end game.