The answer to your question depends on how you define cheating.

If you mean using something illegal to gain an advantage,then the answer is likely no.

If you mean looking,or pretending to be weak, and being strong, then the answer is likely yes.

Someone who is experienced in the game, having played it already, can have a distinct advantage to someone who is a relative or complete novice,having just recently started playing. 

You cannot go by palace size alone there are many other factors to consider.

Knowledge man......knowledge. If your troops have minimal knowledge and his are maxed you will lose every time. Knowledge from the knowledge tab and upgrades from the Citadel are your friends.

Also hero level and hero skills and then hero equipment ...