[alexti]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
Here is an example: Jotun Spearman compared to Jotun Huskarl with spear: 18 prot. vs. 15 prot.; 10 def. vs. 11 def.; 6 fatigue vs. 5 fatigue; 12 combat move vs. 13 combat move. Now for cost: 30 gold/32 res vs. 35 gold/23 resources.

That 5 gold extra has rarely been a determining factor; it is the 9 fewer resources that often allow more of the Huskarls to be built, which are roughly as strong as the Spearmen indivually. Not very balanced here it would seem.

I think you underestimate prot 18 vs prot 15. I can't do precise calculations right now, but +3 prot in that range makes a big difference against most units. First of all with prot of 18 units won't be damaged very often, given typical strength of the opponents. Even when the damage be dealt, it will be 3hp less (most probably something in 1-3 range against 4-6 with prot 15).
This way spearmen will get much less afflictions and they will Last much longer. On average they will probably can take 3-4 times more hits.

Spearmen have slightly worse defense, so they'll be hit a bit more often, but not anywhere close to 3-4 times. So, if anything I'd think that spearmen are more efficient in most cases, but often decision is made depending whether the gold or resources are in shortage