[cleveland]

In general, it's more helpful to choose a pretender that diversifies your nation, rather than a pretender that builds on your nation's existing strengths.

So if your nation has strong Nature magic, don't waste design points giving him a lot of Nature magic.

If your nation has access to flying commanders, don't waste points on a flying chassis.

If your nation has powerful non-capital mages, don't waste points on a Magic-3 scale.

Etc.