Quote Originally Posted by IPoseTheQuestionYouReturnTheAnswer

There are definately some factions that are below the pack. The Scots, Byzantines, and Sicilians come to mind. None of them have any real redeeming qualities. They lack the basic, important units of other factions, and most of their unique units aren't nearly as good as those from other factions. Norman Knights are nice, but will lose to any other Catholic high-late era knight. Kataphraktoi aren't bad, but will lose to any other type of heavy lancers with maces. The Scots rely too much on pikes and infantry, two things that are extremely ineffective in M2.
have you played as the sicilians mate? i would agree their unique units could be a little more outstanding, but they do have a very balanced roster and they certainly have plenty of good basic units. they have your basic and essential spearmen - seargents, armoured seargents and italian spear milita. good missile units - muslim archers and pavise crossbowmen. they have reasonable heavy inf - dismounted normans, sword and bucler men and dismounted broken lances and finally they DO have good cav.
the norman nights might not be quite as good as the late era knights of some factions, but the sicilians do also get chivalric knights which are one of the strongest late knights. besides its rare that you have to rely on head on collision between opposing knights.