WI: A better start for the Fourth Crusade

What if the expected crusader force of 33,500 had gathered in Venice, and was thus able to pay the Venetians? How likely would the expedition be to succeed? And what impact would this have on the Byzantine Empire?
 
What if the expected crusader force of 33,500 had gathered in Venice, and was thus able to pay the Venetians? How likely would the expedition be to succeed? And what impact would this have on the Byzantine Empire?

The success is up to speculations but the East Romans are save from a certain disaster. If a strong Emperor takes over and gets rid of Bulgaria then the East Romans may just survive.
 
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