I've got several ideas if you don't mind.
1. I've noticed that every time I start a new playthrough within 5 days the entire map is at war. And while this is a game about fighting, if the fighting goes on nonstop then it takes away the fun because there are fewer targets.
So to fix this I would like to suggest a massive world tournament, funded and endorsed by every king. The location of this world tournament changes every time it occurs, but it gets massive attraction, Lords from every kingdom and adventurers from across Calradia come to test their skill and show off their nations skill. The tournament lasts 21 days due to the massive number of competitors, with one tournament every 7 days. That gives time for all the lords to heal their wounded armies, the looted villages to reform and all that.
It's also a place for your character to be recognized. Every king in Calradia will be watching, and one who does well in the tournament will obviously attract interest. Also maybe a sufficient prize for the winner, like a set of equipment (armor, weapons etc).
2. Active recruiting for the factions.
Have town criers in towns advertising service for the various factions, and kings sending messages to you asking for you to join them.
3. Jobs.
Now I know you've already got stuff like that planned but imagine this, lets say you choose to be an assassin, well you get employed by a certain Lord to be his personal assassin, getting paid to take out enemy spies/Lords/merchants/Knights.
Also potentially adding Knight as a job.
4. Titles
It would be nice if people referred to you as Knight/Lord/Commander/ (insert name)
5. Political marriages.
You've got those court ladies sitting around doing nothing but offering insignificant quests and patching up relations with Lords. Why not use them to tempt certain Lords over to your side or you to their side as the case may be.
6. More diversity.
For Example, more female Lords/units. Black characters, just different things than the norm.
7. Increased party size.
Large armies equals larger battles equals more fun.
That's all I have for now.