East Romans SS 6.3 advice

[bertram boso]

hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has some valuable words of wisdom on how to proceed as the East ROmans in the late period Stainless Steel 6.3.
Obviously it's a very hard faction to play as, but it seems almost hopeless-the crusader cities in the Aegean are too strong to take on, while starting a war with the Seljuks while the rebels still occupy my western flank seems foolhardy.
Any advice? Thanks!

[Rakoua]

I concentrated on taking out the Seljuks and taking back Constantinople. Then you should be set. In the meantime, I used my troops from Greece to take Crete and Rhodes. You then have a decent position and can start expanding back into the Balkans.

[bertram boso]

Ah, gotcha. Thanks! Yeah I figure island-hopping's a cheap, easy way to supplement income while I build up enough stacks to take on the Seljuks and crusaders.