What attracts you to Late Rome?

[Frank]

Stilicho didn't do badly in the first years of the fifth century.

Sure, but he would have done even better with the western army pre-Frigidus and without the transfer of troops to the east.

The East was fairly lucky in that most barbarians settled in the West, which meant permanent losses of territory.

Yes, but luck was just one reason. Different structures and some wise decisions were at least as important.