As far as I remember, I just didn't scorn Quills.
Plus Magic +1 (which seemed to be the case with you, too) and Vans as researchers weren't too hard on upkeep, considering they are sacred. Of course, Svartalfar are better per turn - but they were also more busy, hammers and all. By the way, I also empowered Svartalf in Blood, as Baalz recommends. Anyway, I will write in more details if I actually manage to win with this setup...
