This is just so negative game play....
Okay. Okay.
Okay.
Let me explain this in a new context.
So, in the second Punic War, Rome was having a lot of issues defeating the Punic General Hannibal Barca. They were defeated by Hannibal three times in the field to devastating losses in the peninsula of Italy alone. The allied Italian city states—most whose history with Rome was not long ago as enemies—were being courted by Hannibal Barca and the Roman Senate knew that a continued loss of face would see their allies turn on them. That would spell the end of them.
In times of great stress and turmoil, the Roman Republic could appoint 1 senator as Dictator. A year long position that granted them full power. The man who they appointed, Fabian, realized beating Hannibal in the field wasn't possible, or at least likely enough to risk it. So he adopted the (at the time) loathed Fabian strategy. This consisted of avoiding Hannibal and fighting the Carthaginians else where. Because Rome could beat other Punic armies, just not Hannibal's.
This strategy was very successful but was not to last, due to Roman Senators wanting to take an active role in defeating Hannibal.
What we need to do is copy the Fabian Strategy. We are at a severe disadvantage. If we keep things going as they are, we will lose unless a stroke of luck saves our asses. If we take our time, try to rely on reads instead of lynchings, we can nullify the Cult's BEST ABILITY—conversion. This is what makes the Cult a threat. This is the wildcard that keeps me positive we can't win.
My strategy is so full proof, even I couldn't get around it, if I get converted.