Desert Axemen are still too heavily armoured. Their armour value should not exceed 3 (since this is what various barb units get for being naked ). But personally I would prefer a total lack of armour, but that is certainly modding it as they would need some compensation in attack and defensive ability.

Cavalry getting 4 in shield bonus is increadible. As already mentioned many get too much bonus for the shield size. But we often forget that the large shields such as those of the Legionary and Praetorian Cavalry can only be used on one side, the cavalryman can swirl in the saddle like the Rebel Bodyguards can for instance. So their ability to use the shield is hampered. In general I think cavalry shields add too much as even the largest shield can't protect much of the horse itself.