Consulates

I've seen a walkthrough where the combination of Pledging to Protect and the Consulates policy leads to friendship with all CS's. In my games the Pledge to Protect only gives 5 influence so the combo gives 25 instead of 30. Was there a patch put in that turfed the Protect influence to 5?

You are watching old LPs where pledge to protect raised CS influence resting point by 10 points. 'Twas nerfed.

The pledge to protect + consulates combo was super overpowered for G&K and even BNW upon CD release. (Perma-friends)
It was finally given the long overdue nerf with the BNW fall patch last year.

If you're intending to periodically fulfill city state quests it's still a nice combo (from a starting base of 25 and having the .75 modifier, you'll stay friends a long time whenever you fulfill a quest.)

It's even better if you are playing Greece due to their UA. In fact, in case of Greece if you open Patronage and found a religion then for those city states sharing your religion, your influence will NOT decrease for friendly or neutral ones.