For me, I hate this vassal feature, its really not a good idea to add into 3k games..

1st run ply as Sun family deadlock game.. I reach 208 sima yi event but yuan shao vassal-ed all the faction including cao2.

2nd run ply as Sun family again, so I know what to expect this time.. It to overcome the vassal swarm end game. I reach Duke, vessalised Lubu n 2 small faction + coalition with cao2.. Now Tank-ING yuan shao n his 10 vassal(he got liu bei zzz)..
To be continue tonight...

So wat I've learned is set your priority to kill yuan shao or cao2 early game.. Or get prepare yourself very well end game.

Other than vassal swarm bs.. Overall this is still a good game.