tech up

[Ludens]

You reminded me, I wonder if it is possible to change the AOR system into something more flexible and creative.

To answer the OP: the poor starting-infrastructure of EB1 was a gameplay decision, not a historical one. I don't know whether this will be different in EB2, but the government/recruitment system will be very different.

I don't believe that Spartiate Hoplitai will cost much more than the average Hoplitai, after all Spartiates are just Hoplitai that come from Sparta.

Spartan Hoplites in EB1 carry the best hoplite armour that money can buy (well, apart from the helmet): these are not common footsloggers, but the regional equivalent of Epilektoi Hoplitai.