You simply have to start paying them off earlier...
Consentient very wisely noted that CSs are overlooked and that if you want many allies and/or a diplomatic win, start stocking influence much much earlier
Actually, my emphasis on CS has nothing to do with going for a DiploV, just that if you have an ally for 100 turns, the total amount of benefit is vast.
There's nothing particularly wise about it. People are just loathed to dump 1000 gold at one time into a CS. But I do really well out of my CS alliances, and that's why I'm (slowly) preparing that part of my Domination guide.
The idea that it's sensible to stockpile gold and then buy them all at once is ludicrous. It costs far less to slowly develop them over the course of the game. Because I like units even if I want to be peaceful (like in the Korea ICL) I am able to do a ton of barb quests.
Again, another idea that must be vaporised is that on Deity, there are no barb quests after a certain time. People are just not looking hard enough if they think that.
i got DOWED by 4 civs simulatenously....
Needless to say that i had close to no units and i watched my world burn.
So build units next time. You threw away a win, by the looks of it.
Always nice to have all AIs enthusiastic about you and suddenly rip you out despite the fact you have nothing but green modifiers with them. (Aside from England who was mad at me being friend with polynesia)
The AI are psychopaths and there is no way you can ever rely on them for anything. Self-reliance and preparedness, as IRL, are much better than trying to reason with the unreasonable.
Kinda pissed tbh as there is nothing to do to prevent this things from happening.
Wrong. Replay, and this time build an army for defence. You will win, I am sure. A SV can be gotten on almost any map if you defend yourself adequately.
Kinda sick when i see screens of people reaching 320+ victories with maybe 4 units on their land.
Well, there are also sub-T200 victories with 0 units. Doesn't mean to say that this is a good way to play all the time. Perhaps the player in question was pushing hard for a HOF-style quick victory, taking the risk and getting away with it? Or maybe they're just a much better player than you at diplomacy, economy, etc, and so don't have to worry about it AS MUCH. But the best way of defending yourself is still to build units.
If I am sure I will be DoW'd by let's say Monty, then building units will pay itself back anyway. He will march his army to their doom, and eventually I'll make peace for 30-50 GPT, which I'll get for enough time to make building that army, and ensuring my civ stands the test of time.
I m feeling like cultural victory attracts more attention to you when SV remains stealthy when you just build parts and set them up all on the same turn, seems the AI doesnt see you coming.
It's nothing to do with attention and all to do with reliance on the AI. Winning a SV requires nothing of the AI. In fact, as you said, it works best when they completely ignore you. But CV is so AI-dependent that it's obviously the most difficult CV. Having OB, shared religion etc all depend a lot on AI choices. Which is why my favourite way to win is to play on Continents, wipe mine, and then concentrate on culture.
Now, i'll cry and then sleep
Chin up. Next time build units and you'll be much better off.