I'm also not entirely certain why you are so against wrenches being thrown into the works
Because I enjoy CK2 for its historical background, and even more so HIP for its attempt at greater consistency and plausibility. So, of course I love surprises and dramatic turns of event... when they are generated by the game's engine with its own intrinsic logic. I find it
most dissatisfying when they are completely absurd situations and caused by
bugs.