[Liadran]

Raptors have more options initially (because of their magic choices) to hurt enemy economy than base Caelum, the increase is not that huge, but can be significant in a dedicated economy strike.

It's true that High Seraph are much better in late game than Harab Seraphs, and that lack of water gives a disadvantage in water provinces. But the research is better and that counts for much initially.

Single pick in earth does in fact negate weapon array flaw a little. In early expansion that counts for much. Items can increase it later. Base Caelum is not that efficient in their earth approach and that gives them a flaw.

Dominion can't be forgotten. But without Hearth of Winter and Seraphines you can't push your dominion that efficiently in border provinces. That means that it's not that cold there than in your inner lands. In inner lands you don't need that cold resistance that much. But this is hard point in playing Raptors. They are definitely weaker in cold approach.

About lightning defence. Everyone will expect lightning from Caelum and keep that in mind (at least veterans). Battlefield placement, items and spells can decrease effectiveness of lighting attacks (let's forget spells over 7th level). I know that Thunder Ward gives 50% resistance. But that is a defence. It's not immunity (I never said about making it useless), but a good defence. Reducing those damages by half (especially with Orb Lightning, one of the best lighting spells) is quite important, it takes some edge away from you. It really doesn't make air-3 mage useless, but reduces their effectiveness. Never rely too much on lighting even with base Caelum, have to have other approaches in mind also.