This grace period before the changes kick in. Also, their very high number of nobility compared to other realms. There aren't any special protections for them persay, but the large number of nobles compared to other frontier realms is a great sign.
19 already, nice! That should pack a punch, although they'd have to be carefull with recruits and gold like in the 'old days' where it was financially impossible to fully fund and recruit everyone.
