How big is too big?

[Radio_Star]

Pretty much as the title says ... what balance are people looking for in initial expansion? How many provinces (understandably, this can vary from nation to nation and era to era) is enough to give you a healthy starting position but not enough make you a target?

My gut says nations that are heavy on early power (heavy 2x,3x, bless) are wanting more ... but still, how big is too big? Is it too situational to find hard and fast rules? Is there some basic guide?


Input is welcome.