In some ways I wanted to help the AI - instead of over complicated tech tree there will be a more simplified one, though eras will make certain units and building unavailable in certain years.

The AI could be poorly equipped to deal with the whole period/era divide, but it is not much good at developing provinces either so if the new units will require certain structures (e.g. military reforms) I wish to make those structures relatively easy to build, but in later years than it is right now.

I will never give up the idea of era/historical periods - it is one of the most important features in the game and the only one which not only adds 'more modern units, but also the only one which removes certain units from the recruitment/production pool.

I hope that simplified tech tree will help the AI and at the same time (because of the events) will limit the player when it comes to clever development of provinces.

I am also considering greater decreases in happiness caused by many structures, this hopefully will force players to invest more in cultural and industrial structures, as well as in garrison units and spies and give AI led factions more time to react.

Certain factions for sure will be able to achive more e.g. the Ottomans with their massive units and armies, but reduced number of recruitment areas should help to slow them down and still offer rather impressive challenge.

At least the battlefield AI is relatively good in MTW VI and Pike & Musket period possibly the last period in history where this concept still works - spearmen (pikemen), archers (hangunners) and cavalry with support from various swordsmen and artillery units.