Perhaps if we added a system where judges could pay the ransom for nobles of their realm, it would be less devastating. Judge asks for gold from wealthy Dukes, and if the ruler is well liked, it gets coughed up and the ruler is released.... But if said Dukes are ambitious and plotting to take the throne... Sure, let him rot.
And yes, a huge cut on that time needs to be made for priests or the class will quickly become unplayable.
