I don't know why it took so long, but after all these years I finally got this:
---------
I decided to take a different approach into getting the seven centuries achievement. Normally I never finish a game all the way from Charlemange because I get so bloody strong it becomes so boring past a certain point. So this time I thought I'd take it slow and be a very loyal vassal to a king without trying to mutiny. Also I happen to be Lombard, because I decided to get the Iron Crown achievement at the same time.
So anyway, for the past 100 years or so I've been chilling under the yoke of Lombardy. The first generation we got along pretty well. I mean, I just so happened to take over Rome and a few other counties but hey, the Pope was practically begging for it. So the Papacy is homeless now but that doesn't seem to affect Christianity at all. At one point the king and I got along so well he actually gave me a county and a barony because he liked me so much. Then a few rulers later and now no matter how much I try to make the king like me, he really hates me for some reason.
So I spend so much time begging for favors and the like just to prevent the king from passing laws that will screw me over. I'm constantly trying to arrange alliances with the other dukes in the kingdom of Lombardy. I got so royally angry when not one but two of my daughters ran away with mercenaries as they were the key to securing alliances with Genoa and Benevento.
I'd forgotten how amusing CK2 is when you're not trying to powergame. I have to keep reminding myself I'm supposed to be a loyal vassal and not trying to usurp power.
---------
I also downloaded the mod called More Executions which does exactly as it says. It feels so good to finally have some way to inflict pain on those who piss you off. One of my daughters who got seduced by a filthy Muslim heathen, I repeatedly drowned her until I got tired of it... then I flayed her skin with a knife.
"You were the key binding us with the loyal Amalfi clan! They helped us in our deposing of the Pope's hegemony on Rome! And you betrayed us! Humiliated us!"Speaking of which, I really like how alliances work now. It's nice having reliable friends. When Amalfi sent 500 men to assist my 800 against Pope Innocent II, I actually sent them a large gift in thanks.