The basis of the complaining I see here is that the Ruler and associated faction didn't understand what they were doing, didn't prepare, and then actively and openly moved against one of the most powerful persons in the realm without fully understanding what they were getting into and how to deal with it. This is a game about politics, and if you are going to have an internal power struggle, be prepared. Have contingency plans. Have contingency plans for those too. Throw money at people, that's one of my favorite ways to get things done.
