u/AsleepAd6125

Apparently after the rebellion Robert needed a strong man at dragonstone to keep the narrow sea lords in check and because dragonstone is a strategically important location and a critical defensible outpost Robert required a stern, experienced, and loyal leader to maintain order, control potential Targaryen loyalists, and secure the eastern region which is why he gave it to Stannis and not Renly because It needed to be held by someone with a firm hand rather than an inexperienced youth.

By placing Stannis there, Robert secured his eastern flank, while giving the already secured seat of Storm's End to Renly.

Who else but Stannis could Robert trust with the seat of Dragonstone?

Wouldn’t spending money on tourneys and feasts be good for the realm and stimulate the economy and generate a profit?

Considering everyone knew Tywin was gathering an army in the Westerlands but did nothing about it the Starks probably could’ve done the same thing and since they are the warden of the north and they could make up some reason for it, wildlings, pirate raids, etc.

What if they did it as early as Ned and Catelyn getting the letter from Lysa of Jon assassination or any other point when they had a chance.