Conquer City State Strategy?

[Wilde]

My focus is on Immortal/Deity difficulty.

Post summer patch, settlers have increased in cost to where the Colonization policy card is almost a requirement for early expansion. But, I generally play where I suzerain my closest city states (and in some cases levy their military). I hate to do it, but I am thinking I need to rethink my CS strategy and conquer/annex them early on (before they build up a strong military) only saving those I focus on (i.e. I love Valletta!).

Are the CS suzerain bonuses really worth it at the higher difficulty or is the "extra" city a more effective approach?

I am trying to maximize an 'expand fast' strategy by adding city states into the mix. I already cannot resist a war to steal an AI settler.

 

[MIS]

Whacker has a great guide to quick science victories. It was pre-patch, and he still conquered city states.

 

[Victoria]

I am trying to maximize an 'expand fast' strategy by adding city states into the mix. I already cannot resist a war to steal an AI settler.

Both @whacker and @Lily_Lancer do amazing fast victories. Some key points

1. Eurekas, in particular early culture eurekas to get to feudalism/mercs early. This is to get knights as soon as possible. This will include building an encampment early. It also included agoge before slingers where possible.

2. Archer rush anything including CS but not science ones. Maybe the odd other with great abilities.

3. Avoid using builders as long as possible, especially for chopping, builders at feudalism are much better and civil engineering/pyramids are also great