[Saxon]

I doubt I am the oldest regisitered, but I have been around a long time and own all three Dominions. Still, I get no respect...

I have gambled on merc in a contested province many times and lost more than a few. Still, it is usually worth it, as you really need those troops in that spot. Against the AI, you are likely to face a second attack right away, so even if you held the province, they will be coming again...