Yeah, as much as I want rail companies and IC, we came into this turn needing DOs and BENs more than anything. We need to have Nokly move fast here, and putting off diplomacy for another two years is going to be a killer, even if it would benefit us internally.
Hung needs more trade, Beh has to be cultivated, and Kiel needs to be kept neutral at least, preferably allied with us, and do our Espionage boosts to build up a network. It also keeps happiness from sinking like a stone and setting off revolts all over, nor do we need to keep borrowing to maintain our increases (AN's words on us using bonds does not fill me with confidence).
As such, international relations is probably better for us in the long run, even if the IC plans are more satisfying.