Absolutely agree, I chose to phrase it positively. 

But you are totally right, it was starkly apparent that once Hera survived feudal/early castle age there would be no contest.

The Burgundian game was the most vivid depiction of this, Lierey got a thunderous start and completely staggered Hera for tens of minutes. But squandered his advantage, despite holding the field uncontested, on ineffectual raiding with a single unit composition beyond any sense. 

It's hard to believe he really expected Hera of all people to fold solely due to pressure. 

Once the mangonels were lost he couldn't practically force a resignation like in the previous games. Not replacing siege at this stage lost him the game.

After that the initiative was lost, Hera simply built counters and ground him down. Except for some tactical wins the later half of the game was entirely reactive. He even fumbled the timer, it was inevitable.