Unit scale-from a newb

[A Very Super Market]

I never really knew about EB until a few weeks ago, and the feeling is a lot different from the original game. I've played R:TW for 2 years, and the whole new system is jarring. But I've managed to figure out basic strategy, so that's okay. Anyways...

I got a new computer that can run the game at best quality, and my question is... Does huge unit scale mean I lost more population each time I recruit? I would try out for myself, but the game takes over 20 minutes to load on my computer (Dunno why), and sometimes crashes if I let it sit there for too long. Thanks in advance to anyone who helps! (Or welcomes)

[Ludens]

Welcome to the Org and EB, .

Yes, large unit scale results in higher upkeep and more population depletion.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

IIRC, the cost of a unit is the same no matter what unit size you use.
They do deplete large amounts of population, but depopulating a city isn't really common in EB.
If battles are slow, that would be a good reason to decrease unit size.

[Ca Putt]

and remember, that your MIC is not city level dependant(in EB):- you can recrquit elite tropps from a rather small settlement.
furthermore it sometimes is usefull to drain a citys pouplation in order to keep the unrest low.

[A Very Super Market]

Well, that seems pretty reasonable. The only problem is, I'm currently playing as Baktria (Elephants...) I've only got three settlements, and any major war will drain them pretty badly. That being said, I don't want avoid historical limitations like this. I've avoided war with the Seleucids, but I'm currently going at it against Saka, which is a pain in the ass, because I still lose men with each victory. Less men means less taxes. Should I start a new one and change it back to normal or something?

[Cambyses]

My personal rule is to not recruit anthing unless the settlement is at least a large town or larger. Also if it will take more than 3 turns to recover the population lost in the recruitment. Otherwise it just takes too long to recoop the population and prevents you moving to the next level of settlement. This in turn gives you better revenue enhancing buildings (notably improved ports) and increased taxation through having more population.