[Arryn]

Originally posted by Jasper:
IMHO there's not much point in playing with such high independent strength in single player however, as the AI opponents don't handle it well.

It slows me down, which is the point. The normal indies have many more troops and many of the provinces have exotic things like vampires and whatnot. The point is having a greater challenge. It also changes the complexion of the game when it becomes easier to knock off AI-controlled provinces than indie ones. The indies become effective buffer states, even for the AIs themselves.

Of course, everyone plays to their own style, and to have fun.