Protestant vs Reformed as Netherlands

[Shinkuro Yukinari]

Basically, I picked Brabant, formed the Netherlands, now I wanna decide how to raise a middle finger to the pope. What are the benefits of each and which would help me more? I can't recall the last time I played in the area
Below are the Diplomatic and Religious mapmodes, plus the summary

 

[Casko]

as for both RP and otherwise I'd personally say Reformed as in EU4 Terms Netherlands is Reformed branch after all. as well as your home node being the English Channel so the Trade bonus from Reformed faith is generally speaking more useful for you than Protestant.

However Protestant can be useful as well if you want more republican tradition as the Dutch Republic and few extra points of discipline or cheaper development. But I'd imagine seeing your allies that the extra discipline is not needed so the focus on trade would work much more for you to counter England's dominance of your trade income.

 

[Shinkuro Yukinari]

I decided on Protestant given the versatility and Global Settler increase, plus there isn't anyone Reformed around, so I'd be struggling with alliances as Reformed.
As for allies, somehow I got -200 relations with both Brandenburg and France, for Unlafwul Territory(they didn't annex anything yet, or maybe my leaving of HRE sparked it) which led them to break alliance with me. Although Brandenburg really likes me so I should able to ally them once the modifier expires.
Now I am mainly focusing on Colonization and hopefully circumnavigating the Globe, since I can't expand anywhere due to HRE or BBB
As for Protestant bonuses I went with Settler Increase, Discipline and Prestige. Prestige helps in all avenues so that is peachy

 

[True_Heir_of_Rome]

The Settler increase is really nice. You can also easily switch to the Morale and Discipline when war breaks out. Prestige becomes kind of easy to farm once you start spreading into India and Oceania, but It's not a terrible bonus. The Extra Republican Tradition is top tier for a republic a there are not many sources of it, and 100 Mil points don't go quite as far as they used to since the addition of some of the newer mechanics.

 

[Shinkuro Yukinari]

Mainly Professionalism, I presume. To be honest, I am drowning in points thanks to Advisors and overall decent leaders. I am still controlling myself with General rolls somewhat, given how I wanna stay up to tech ASAP, especially since France is breathing down my neck. Perhaps I should spam out forts along the border, I did get defensive ideas...

 

[Kergan]

Try Reformed in your next game. I used to pick Protestant like you did, for the settler increase aspect, the improve relationships bonus, and the versatility (combat, missionary strength, stability, etc.). One day I tried Reformed to see what it's like.

Where Reformed really shines is when you're playing in Trade Company areas. If you stack it with Humanist (and Plutocratic, if playing a Republic) and the stability focus, you can warmonger in Asia while hardly ever worrying about rebellions.