I like the stronghold but i find it can be really better...... For first look that is ok but i would like a little bit more....Maybe change the 8 mercenaries for trainer of troops, officer, sergent, recruiter, farmer, doctor, black Smith ... Organise patrol in the land and on the road, help village for win bonus prestige/security.
For resume: Be more implicated in my land and with my milician or army each time i go to my stronghold. No need to do mission myself, just give order and receive result by my administrator.
Maybe the situation can evolve in each expansion of the game...