You're doing it wrong!
In two player games, best to get more regions quickly. You get +1 deploy for every 3 regions you have. Getting 12/15 regions quickly is key to getting +4/+5 per turn. You can get them all without breaking a "border 6". This puts huge pressure on your opponent to "search for you", as they'll be out-deployed in no time flat. They'll be breaking the border 6 stacks, only to find that 75% of the time, you're not there! Also if you're lucky enough your two starting spots are Romans, Pontus, or Persians, then only get 2 sets of swords when you hit 15 regions. Otherwise, your opponent will know where you are! (i.e. two of Romans, Pontus or Persians).
It's different in say 4 and 8 player games as all the starting spots are filled. In these games, it's best, as quick as possible to attack the border as close to your starting spot, but as far away from the opponents starting spot. e.g. If you start on Icaria, hit Mileseans as soon as possible to get into an eliminate Persians!. Starting Illyrians?, you want be getting into Romans via Thesprotians pronto. You get the picture.
Spoil and reinforcements types don't make much difference. It's all about getting quick superiority via out deploying your opponents.
Anyway. Hope that helps