[Shangrila00]

Did you read what I actually wrote? Extra slot is an advantage. Low hp is a disadvantage. And have you actually tested? I did, when this debate came up. Adons cannot reliably expand against dual dagger tribals and barbarians as well as heavy cavalry and elephants. Larger numbers (less than the 50 you could buy with the cost of an Adon) of heavy infantry will also kill them with fatigue. Honestly, I don't even mind that, though Jarls certainly would never have that problem. Nor do I mind the research malus, though you're being purposefully obtuse if you don't see a disadvantage in your cap not producing any RP. (I guess Ermor's longdead horse are free too)

The point is this. The fact that Adons are equipped is an advantage only in the early game, and by that, I mean before Ashdod even gets minimal reinvig gear at construction 2. Once they can be fatigued out by the same cost in heavy infantry, much less dedicated attempts with markata or more suitable chaff in that period, calling them overpowered (or SCs from turn 1) is absurd. Armor of Achilles is Alt2, Lightning Bolt and Rust Mist are Evo2. Adons without replacement armor and shield are mere thugs, since a single mage casting whichever one of the above you have paths for (and the E1 requirement for AoA is hardly hard to reach) and PD will kill Adons with just minimal reinvig gear. If you don't give them a brand, they'll go down to Swarm too, and without a Golden Shield, elephants and heavy cavalry will still kill them. Fully equipped Adons are good SCs, no question there, but they are no better than a fully equipped Kohen Gadol. And people will laugh at you if you claim Gath can never be balanced unless Kohen Gadols are removed.