[Truper]

Personally, I don't find patrolling for dollars on the early turns to be worthwhile. The loss in population can be significant, and you will eventually lose more than you gain - although there is certainly something to be said for having higher income *now*.

As for prophets, it depends entirely on nation. If I'm playing a nation with level 4 priests, you can be sure I'll recruit one on turn one, and prophetize him on turn 2. I love having a prophet who can Smite - it just feels so *right*. On the other hand, if I'm playing Man, which has no high-level priests, I'll ususally make the starting Castellan my prophet.