I judge people based on their best heroes, and number of cities (although the difference between 7-10 cities isnt very large)

This tells you how quickly they can produce troops when they set their mind to it. Also important is their reputation, and how active they are.

Btw, at the person who says you should farm for resources, and making resources from cities is inefficient.... you're wrong I'm afraid.

I only have 8 cities, which make me 125 million lumber and 75 million iron per day. Im sure there are many people with 10 cities, and level 10 buildings who are making 200 million lumber and 100 million iron per day.

Farming is good for food, not for iron/lumber.

Back on topic, I know when I first started playing about 4 months ago, prestige seemed like this big, important thing. About 2 months ago I started prestige dropping. Its pointless, I wouldnt even take it into consideration when attacking somebody.