[KissBlade]

The nice part about dominions is experienced players have proven that no nation is so crippled to be completely hopeless in a MP game. Even some weak nations like Abysia have one or two saving graces (Demonbred in their case with axe infantries not so bad buys if I recall). Tien Chi MA gets xbows and consorts. EA Ryleh gets nice flavor and aquatic thugs.

Also superior raiding strategies and decent pretenders/diplomatics go a long way.