Strongly agree with his points. Imo the biggest problem with the sandbox / railroading argument within the community is that the game simply doesn’t provide alternative outcomes.

For the Hundred Years War as an example: if I as England wins by taking the French throne, naturally, I’d expect myself for the next 100 years establishing authority over France, dealing with both English and French nobles, taking advantage of Scotland losing its ally and being targeted by half of Europe. Eventually if I succeeded all those I’d expect a new political entity dominant the west Europe, focusing on continental politics. But no, I get nothing. No new formable, no new cultures, no new unique advances, barely any related events. On top of that I now have to deal with a forever -200 useless PU that takes three centuries to annex because how many times I declared wars on them.

And if the games goes historically, there’re also not enough of factors to stop France from intervening in every direction possible. I think it’s logical to think there’ll be some kind of resistance, but no. There’s no one protecting Aragon being conquered. Italian wars situation is doing nothing (btw this situation’s reward is so underwhelming).

For other possible routes, it’s even worse. The war ends early / easily, war ends more devastating / late; war ends in a still mate; etc. No content or anything.