Thanks everyone. Can't say I'm not surprised things didn't go more like I had hoped, but I was definitely optimistic about Merlin's ability to change things. Seems I didn't accomplish as much as I wanted.
In the end, I had to recognize what my priorities were though, and it all got a bit too intensive for me. When I had to start trying to work out arguments for ruler discussions in my head while on vacation, or was late to work once trying to deal with a rebellion that came out of nowhere, it was readily apparent I had things wrong.
My only note is that with great power truly does come great responsibility. So I'm giving up both.
