Automation vs Micromanagement

[alexti]

Automation that you want is essentially there. Basically, you need to create pretender(s), modify a map giving those pretenders to AI, set yourself (preferrably as Arco) in the border-free province where you can sit safely and monitor the progress. Put some special sites there, so you won't need to bother with gem/gold collection. AI will be doing pretty much everything on its own (including auto-scouting, auto-siting... etc) and you won't have to give any orders to OTHERS. On a bad side that also means that you won't be able to give any orders.