Yes the temple building move was both part offensive and defensive against Ermors population killing dominion. And while we could have surpassed you in research instead we thought the more subtle approach of Domination through Dominion may be more appropriate.
I'm not sure who the game admin is these days... but I am requesting that we move to 72 hour hosting intervals for this game. My RL commitments have increased recently, and I also need more time for micromanagement now that war with Sauromatia is about to bloom.