I'd like to do an informal poll on reasonable final REF amounts at various difficultly levels. Obviously, this depends on other game settings, but for a normal bland average game. What are your opinions on the following three settings:

2) Pioneer
18 Regulars
10 Dragoons
4 Artillery
8 man o war

4) Conquistador
30 Regulars
18 Dragoons
10 Artillery
11 Man o war

6) Patriot
45 Regulars
28 Dragoons
20 Artillery
13 Warships

Pioneer is fine, but I'd say 3-4 times more for conquistador and patriot.

Pioneer is fine, but I'd say 3-4 times more for conquistador and patriot.Agreed, assuming you actually can play at a "high" difficulty level you should be able to produce *at least* 50 dragoons by the time you declare independence. Having the kings forces be any less than 100 troops would make the king be a complete pushover(50 dragoons can probably kill 200-300 REF troops under optimal conditions).