If I recall Arrian's Campaigns of Alexander, the Scythians weren't particularly successful against Alexander with his excellent Persian and Macedonian cavalry, although there is certainly other factors to consider.
Nevermind the fact that the Scythians defeated one of Alexander's generals and 30000 troops as stated by EB?

Gamegeek's point is also valid.
There are only so much aristocrats in the world.
Hmmm yes.

Actually I agree that the Nomad FM's seem grotesquely overpowered. Yet in gameplay terms they are often the salvation of Nomadic factions, who are outnumbered and outmatched in everything else by settled cultures except for their cavalry.