Are vassal Republics worth the effort in Conclave?

[Gibberish13]

Which was probably broken before Conclave. Because I swear after Conclave not a game goes by where some Itallian doesn't conquer Africa or die trying.

And ya know who else expands independently just fine, regular old cheap not as ornery King vassals. Even a powerful Duke will expand outside the realm on occasion.

Gotta restore that Rome!