Basic questions about EB multiplayer

[BelisarAUT]

Hello, im kinda new here and got some questions. Well, i played some online games long time ago and had the name Flavius_Belisarius.
:)

1.) How strong are phalanx units? If i play the Koinon Hellenon, do i have to take them or is it viable to only use regular hoplite infantery?

2.) How can other factions handle phalanx, for example the barbarians? Like we know in Rome without mods phalanx pretty much crushes anything as it is not possible to get through it with any infantery but Urban Cohorts.

3.) How active is the multiplayer scene?

Thanks in advance.