I don't know about that... According to the score graphs, Ulm and Tien Ch'i have as many provinces as I do, and R'lyeh is just behind. I have about one-third the gold income of Ulm (which put him at about 2500g/turn !), my gem income is on par with Tien Ch'i, and I am third in research... Ulm also has a good number of castles.
But it's true that with Atlantis and R'lyeh serving as buffers, I have no credible threat in North America. Atlantis seems to be no threat, R'lyeh just might pull off some dangerous void summons.
On the other hand, I cam muster some really heavy blood summons myself, since I have blood 9, an income of about 60 blood slaves a turn, and a 40% reduction site. I have 2 Arch-Devils, 2 Fallen Angels, and one Ice Devil, just for starters. And I haven't even tried the 2 biggest summons yet ! I am working my way through the Artifact list, my Pretender is off searching the Empire for site.
Actually, I am ramping up for a devastating, multi-pronged, overwhelming attack on Ulm. Caelum will be dealt with whenever I'm bored, Atlantis and R'lyeh when I can cast Thetis blessing and don't need the buffers anymore...
Meanwhile, I watch Man die. Apparently he lost his capital a few turn backs, has only one or two provinces left, and his God is shooting up in the Hall of Fame diing gloriously every other turn
He already has 609 kills to his name, not bad