We've all read the threads about the current issue, and there's one idea that caught my eye.
Ultimately, I believe that increasing the size of the map only delays the inevitable- which allows more fun in the beginning, but less as time goes on. As many have recognized, Strategus' fundamental problem is the lack of power in the hands of the individual.
A simple solution: changing the current troop dynamic. Instead of allowing individuals to recruit armies, the game would be changed to reflect a simple battle- meaning that there would be no tickets, and battles would be extremely short, high stakes affairs.
The equipment system would be unchanged, though buying prices would be triple (or some other high number) what they are in game, and crafting prices would reflect what they cost in standard cRPG. In addition, gold in Strategus would be fully lootable.
While these changes are huge, I believe they would truly allow individuals to bloom- and even though Super-Alliances would still exist, the efforts of a a band of pubbies would still have the potential to stop them in their tracks.
The advantage of fiefs, as always, would be tied to production bonuses.