The biggest thing, I would say, is that you didn't have enough money. Turn 3 = you have $10 total in your deck (7 Coppers, Loan, a +$2 from the Cutpurse), Turn 7 you have $7 total, Turn 9 = $9. Compare that to your opponent who (if my math is right) had $15 by Turn 9. Eventually you got to 4 Golds, but it was probably too late. I might have bought a silver or two in the beginning (in place of a Caravan or two). Or maybe a Jester on Turn 4 (which would have given you +$2 more and a not-insignificant attack, though, you would have had two terminals). Caravans don't do you any good at the end of the day, unless you have money.