I am currently in the year 1424 and my standard end game armies (which mayrepresent a time around 1500) consist of a core of pikemen (4 + units), two or three halberd militia, two or three Zweihänder (as I play as HRE), two Gothic Knights, one Reiter, one mounted crossbowmen, some arquebusiers and pavese crossbowmen as well as two or more artillery pieces (mostly Basilisks). All have the best armor.

Apart from the fact that my Gothic Knights frequently have to run away from chasing peasants or spear militias because of the charge bug (or feature), I'm really satisfied. I could not imagine to play without pikemen or halberds. I could imagine to play without Gothic Knights.