Military is the way to go with the costs as high as they are now... as a farmer you'll get smacked.
For me: I'm going to try for the most neg. honor possible.
I already have 400 Archer/200 Spear/200 Sword/ 400 Cavalry (Cav's are in training still, however)... going to try to pillage my way to my own doom!
Anyway, Military --> Economy --> Military is the path to take, I believe.