RTW actually has the least amount of upgrades in multiplayer of all the Total War games. Experience is limited to 3 levels as is weapon and armor, and the percentage increase in combat ability is about half for each upgrade level of what it was in the previous games. If adjustments are made to some unit's stats, some unit's costs and the game engine mechanics, the balance could be quite good or at least acceptable to more players. The low morale of experience 0 units will probably require that some experience upgrading be done in multiplayer to raise morale if the base morale level is left where it is now.