I know an advantage of crossbow is that they are easier to combine with shields than regular bows. I had not realised that also applied to horsemen, but I guess it could (it would be less of an asset, though, given the vulnerability of the horse with or without shield).

I can't get see the new unit on the com (they never appear on my computer when they are just released) but it'll be nice to see mounted crossbowmen make a return in M2TW. I loved them in MTW - you got them earlier than the foot ones, their ammo lacks forever, they are AP, they have decent armour themselves and they are fast making great chasers of routers. I could nearly always find a place for a couple of these guys if allowed to recruit them.