Ok, I switched you to Marignon.
Old age is a PITA. The only one of my favorite nations that has to deal with it is MA Aby and at least they have easy access to Boots of Youth (blood slaves are cheaper than gems). This works fine until someone decides to cast Burden of Time.
So, growth scale is good, if you go with an N4 bless you can forge a Shroud of the Battle Saint to help minimize with afflictions and, if you find enchantresses, you can forge Elixirs of Life.
BTW, the first year is when SP most matches MP since you're just grabbing indies. If you're meeting your goal there then it sounds like you've got a solid expansion strategy.