1. We probably need a larger user base to prevent massive market manipulation, but make prestige a tradable commodity. It's worked very well in other games (cough..plex...cough)
2.



GIANT DRY-ERASE BOARD MAPS 4 SALE, COMPLETE WITH REGION BORDERS, TERRAIN, GRIDS, COORDS IN TOP LEFT OF EVERY GRID (Blank of cities of course, data would have to be developed as needed.)




3. Scratch the troops as commodities deal. Instead allow players to rent out armies for predetermined ammounts (inter-alliance could be set 0 gold) the host has command of the army, yet cannot edit it, the mercenary is responsible for replenishing lost troops and also handles commander upgrades. Any troop loss could drop rent upkeep correspondingly unless or until mercenary replenishes towards original troop amounts.
Possibly, have gold upkeep as a base pay and mercenary's agreed fee is additional.
4. STUFF. WE WANT MOAR STUFF. DIABLO II STYLE. Originating from npc's, with qualities and attributes corresponding to npc difficulty, from moderately common to extremely rare. OFFICER ITEMS. Weapons, armor, rings, etc, which are loot, carried back, and either placed with a qualified officer or sold on the open market. (For example a rare unique famous horse which adds 10% to forced march but can only be used by t1/t2 calv. commander)
That's not all.
Of course loss of an officer in battle would mean high chance depending on circumstances of opponent acquiring the items as loot.
5. Something else about more stuff.
-Molg