A bug should be recompensated, but a mistake? Unfortunately no. Occitan did something similar at Caraf castle, retreated mid way through, and lost it. VE never gave it back. It happens, so you just go with the flow.
Bugs are something that Can't be planned for, so those should be recompensated, but human error? No, that's the point.
well in that case there is nothing about being mercifull either. Casimir tried to do the right thing, was under lots of pressure and neglected his duties to his town. So by doing the right thing he now looses even more. I don't think that should be punished as it may turn out that then people are less inclined to repeat this example of fairness.
And also to the VE taking over the castle, well cheap victory, i don't agree here to go with the flow as you say in either case, but being the bigger man and not making it all over win or loose. Naive? Perhaps but as most things we see as good are to some extent naive, as long we don't try and do good there is none. Yes and often goodness is not repaid, but just imagine it would infect others positive. This game after all is also a mirrow of our cultures.
well that is just me i guess dreaming of a better world *sigh*
EDIT:
@casi not about you expecting, but seeing others value your former honorable deed and show that this can go both ways and not us always talking smack in the forum and inflicting rage by stupid comments. I do enjoy at times the later too, but mostly it makes me sad to see so much energy waisted.