I don't like how the "tutorial" teaches people to avoid seriously chained targets. I never released anything but used my brief promotion to godhood to wreack havoc among those who thought they had me beat. As long as you are able to grab the majority of your land back (if you are strategic and don't just focus one target...you can even come out ahead) keep attacking. An attacker can stay viable with up to 70% of their land in transit. After that you are passed the point of colapse and a real possibility of dieing...
But until then, you are a god of destruction (if you know what to do with your thieves/mages anyway).