For me to use javelins by luring enemies to them does not actually feel cheesy. More so if the enemy is silly enough to be flanked by spearmen or such. Also, if there are huge numbers of cheap HAs and you're going to win anyway...

Of course, it's all of personal preference. For me, they can shield the spear wall, buffer it and catch anyone coming too close with a few pointy sticks. Against heavy HA they don't need to be helped with someone luring them next to your battle line, they'll have a chance to do some damage anyway. Damn those Boyars and Szekely can sometimes make life difficult for you!

I have a vague recollection that I read somewhere that the Medieval Russian armies did use javelin infantry against horse archers and it was found effective. Of course it would be unfair to say "in the middle of a chaotic battle", because the player is usually completely aware of what's happening on the field, unlike a Medieval Mongol Horse Archer, who might have a limited field of view and a hard time seeing which type of peasant infantry they're getting too close to...

Then again, they were against mongols in many cases. Can't see how anyone who's used lots of javelin infantry against the Mongols could be seen as cheesy cheater

Of course my historical knowledge is limited, so don't take my word for it, though.

I always found it silly how the enemy reacts to which unit you've clicked on, not to what your units are doing otherwise. But that's ok, it's just how the system works.