I'm still slogging out the Western Rome deity. I just remembered that you have to be done at turn 69 not 70. That could be a problem as I'm now at turn 62. The UI jumps around so much I can't take it for too long.
Basically, I got cash under control and got to a GA to build a bank account to finance ~ -60 GPT finish. Franks are the big problem with their carpet of doom. Unlike playing the barbs where you are at war with everyone, the barbs are at peace with each other except for the Huns. Vandals and Celts are small problems and Goths might be a problem late. That leaves the Franks to do nothing but build units that can't get to you easily. Their units pile up into a giant carpet. A legion with march is priceless. I should have gotten 2 of them instead of 1.
Offensively, I ran a 6-5-3 legion offense with the 14 iron available. That's 6 legions for Celts and Franks, 5 for Goths and 3 for Vandals. But it was 6-5 the wrong way early. Oops. A 7-4-3 might work better. However, I don't know what will happen if you don't help prop up Eastern Rome for a while. Goths tear them to shreds fast so their next target is obvious.
AAR, I'm taking another break. 2.5 carpets of doom is too many units to manage. I've been keeping the front lines well roaded and tearing up roads as the Reconquista proceeds.