What is the best equipment for an E9 Cyclops?

[Saxon]

Is it worth letting the Cyclops sleep those first 12 turns? Even with the trinkets forgable at the start, he should be able to capture a good number of indy provinces right away. You will need some of those to start bringing in the gem and gold income you will need.

My understanding of pretender SC theory is that you want to get the early expansion advantage. If you have a clear advantage to have him sleep, so be it, but I do not see it indicated in this proposal.