Who is the most powerful nation and why?

[moderation]

Lingchih said:I always have a clear cut objective when I start any MP game. Then I invariably waffle and change my mind halfway through the game

What's that saying, that a plan never survives first contact with the enemy? Anyway, I get the feeling that EA and LA Mictlan do have a decent number of options once they get into their midgame, however they seem a bit vulnerable in their early game if you can counter their sacreds. Maybe possessing an uncommon advantage over other nations during the early, mid and late game stages is one of the markers of the more powerful nations.