How escalating is escalating?

We are taught not to attack on our first turn in part as you don't want to be first to 5 and have to cash in a rubbish set of cards.
So my question is and I think this ought to be in the society FAQ'a section or get sticked or something....
How much does the troop number for cashing in go up for each set of cards deployed?
Is there an ideal number to get on the spoils bandwagon?
(ie. where the troop number becomes worthwhile but not too far into the game that you've allready lost too much ground to those who have allready cashed in.)
Side question, are there maps you teach/play on where going for some region bonuses does pay off in escalateing games? (ie on huge maps like 2.1)
Any answers/thoughts on these welcome.
CC
So my question is and I think this ought to be in the society FAQ'a section or get sticked or something....
How much does the troop number for cashing in go up for each set of cards deployed?
Is there an ideal number to get on the spoils bandwagon?
(ie. where the troop number becomes worthwhile but not too far into the game that you've allready lost too much ground to those who have allready cashed in.)
Side question, are there maps you teach/play on where going for some region bonuses does pay off in escalateing games? (ie on huge maps like 2.1)
Any answers/thoughts on these welcome.
CC