A setup that worked well in a previous MP game (IIRC was called WOOF, hosted by Pasha) was a dormant Deva. Dom 7, O3 S3 C3 G3 M1, F4 N4 D4 B4 semi SC/rainbow.
I expanded early with Mammoths then while researching alt-2 (phantasmal warrior) and spamming cheap castles. The castles were used to recruit many spire horn seraphs.
At that point I encountered a Kailasa with an A9 (and maybe more minors) bless meant to counter Caelum. At this point raiding groups of 6-10 spire horn seraphs all spamming PW were sufficient to counter the blessed armies of Kailasa. I'd spread them to raid PD and concentrate them to kill armies. Kinda like a deadly dance, every time I missed a step a raiding army got annihilated
Mid game was your usual super mobility Caelum, flying and cloud trapezing armies spamming thunder strikes, and setting up the mood with storm, fog warriors etc. The game didn't last enough for end game to start in earnest so I don't know how Caelum would have fared there.
Oh and It was much as you described. I would wait for a time and charge up on A. gems and then explode on a nation virtually capturing most of its provinces in a few turns.
Looking back at this setup I think its much less efficient than your suggestions.
I'd change it add astral on pretender (for spentas) and E4 for minor reinnvig. On blessed.
AoE's MA Caelum guide is closer (where applicable) to the way I'd play EA.
I'll say it again, your suggestions are good. Eagle kings are worth the bless. Its just me that don't like to rely on capital only commanders to make up my game plan.