Imho the only populist modifier that's bad is the looted cities one. That one is way too easily exploitable as every looted province ad 10% populist support...
The mercantile trade route one is somewhat badly implemented as lack of trade routes gives you populists to the same degree as occupied trade routes would give you mercantile senators (none of the other factions have this either us or them approach)...
The mercantile trade route one is somewhat badly implemented as lack of trade routes gives you populists to the same degree as occupied trade routes would give you mercantile senators (none of the other factions have this either us or them approach)...