i don't understand the 3p complaints

[astroglide]

the most common sentiment on bgg is that 4p is the only way to play. some think 2p is ok, but the few that mention it seem to think that 3p is simply awful. i've played a couple 4p/2p games now, and after starting up a 3p game i don't see what the problem is. maybe it will reveal itself in later turns, but so far it seems fine.

[ekted]

I've never played 3p myself, but I think the basic feeling is that it's always 2v1 for emperor voting. One player wants to be the new emperor, and the 3rd gets to decide if he wins or loses, whereas 4p it can be 2v2. This issue is probably the same as in Meuterer.