Is hard for reading, so sorry if no understand everything. But my opinion:
Realm *size* no so much important for is fun, is not fun. More important, What can I do?
Be in realm with 40 nobles, but only one General saying all things must do, one Judge no thinking only making fines and bans for what General say, no much fun. Big realm okay if conflict okay. Only all mens puppets, very boring.
No think size most important for is fun, not fun.