and I'm not at all convinced that my actions helped the revolt in any way.
I used these actions too, and I am convinced that my actions did lead to game mechanics effect. The cost in followers is surprisingly high, but if it makes a region revolt in the direction you wish too, then it's a cost worth paying.
My experience with the first three is also high follower losses for 1 or 2% changes.
Is that for 1 hour preaching or a full day? I am quite sure for a region in the middle range, I could get it up or down one notch per day (i.e. from Friendly to Indifferent). Of course, if you start from 100% or from 0%, then changes are harder.
