Well, I just got done with the update, and I will say that the wait wasn't exactly worth it, but I do like the appearances a lot more with certain characters like Aelinia, Helena, etc. It's not so much that I'm knocking on the developer for trying something new to improve his project, but it's more so, because I enjoy playing this game A LOT, and it's been very consistent with their updates, that any deviation from the norm was upsetting.
Bottom line, I am ecstatic that To be A King is back in action and in my rotation of games to play from this site. The content of the update is fine. Not great, not bad. Just a straightforward recap of the factions, their members (most of them) and noticeable benefits for being the chosen one, as well as the potential to choose another deity for Caudium to follow instead of Anna, which I will not choose differently.
As for the factions, I think I will go with the Military (Order of the Gracchi)-Eastern Provinces combo with Kaylan or Lydia as my queen. I would consider Alessia, but I don't personally know enough about her character, even though I trust Lydia's assessment that she is well-received within the eyes of the public and is a calm soul, which is the opposite for choosing Estrid as queen.
The rich and poor/military WILLINGLY teaming up together sounds like a ruler's wet dream for a foundation for peace and unity in a kingdom with so many factions. Also, this option doesn't seem to indicate that the Eastern Provinces/Order of the Gracchi will not aid the Western Provinces in their times of need, so I'm satisfied.
This is not even including the spy network headed by Alessia and her partner, as well as the trading network controlled by Diana, which both with be extremely crucial (information gathering and major supply lines) in the Queen Avila war that is already happening, and the King Brennus campaign I will absolutely undertake in the future. I'm not worried about the Danes as long as I can secure/expand in the east, I will have enough to deal with the Danes if they get too unruly, despite my marriage with Estrid (sorry honey).
The only concern I have is Lydia and her family's loyalties during times where their ideals won't always be at the forefront of my mind, and how they respond if such decisions happens too many times. That spy network and Lydia's family being spread out in so many political positions can take me down. Thank god for the military I guess, if we can keep them happy.