I think that Carolingia's image problem has been much improved under
Johanna and Aquel, because they are very affable and approachable people
and make excellent ambassadors for Carolingia. I would make a
conscientious attempt to visit our neighbors and attend their events
when I could. I have a long-standing commitment to work in the kitchen
at Simplefaire in BBM, and I don't see why Jack the kitchen boy will
stop doing that :). That at least secures our reputation in along one of
our borders.
<p>
As we all know, the baron/ess doesn't actually have all that much real
power. Their power is all that of example, persuasion, and interpersonal
skills. Being easy-to-find and easy-to-talk-to makes a huge difference. 
