[ano]

Abysia definitely needs Magic 3 and even with that its research isn't stellar. But at least your salamanders will be decent researchers for the cost. Also, indy shamen should be used heavily.
Also, though in general I agree with Chris (concerning Baalz' guides) I don't think that expansion rate is an important question here. If you have good or at least decent troops and know how to expand effectively, you will do it and it is a topic for another guide. If a nation has totally crappy troops then the nation guide should suggest good ways to overcome this or ways to use those troops more effectively and that's all, probably.