A few anecdotal takeaways from LA Utgard:
I was next to EA Arcos, and never used "high protection" troops - it was just a matter of a strong bless nation next to heavy research dependent nation. High protection can mean need for resources which can actually be a disadvantage anyway depending on your starting terrain. I think it was more bad luck for them more than an inherent LA game edge.
Has LA Agartha captured many/any capitals? My takeaway with their leadership may be that relying on diplomacy to stay safe and focus on researching while your neighbors whittle away their resources and mage-time on battles can be an effective strategy vs. the aggressive, growth for the sake of growth strategy commonly employed. For example, players may fail to fully search and "harvest" the land they conquer while they expand indiscriminately.
Finally, beware piles of froot loops in the bushes. Until Eye Shields get made Const 4, it means you should buy lots of sun glasses....
