While plowing through the export_descr_unit.txt while trying to figure out the strange happenings with the 2hd axemen, more specifically the varangian guard. I ran across the JHI. It seems that they not only have the AP and attack value of their 2hd axemen brethren but also have a swordsmen weapons speed. This might actually explain why they seem to plow through almost any other infantry in the game.

The average for all swordsmen is 1, spears .6, axemen 1.33, 2hd swordsmen 1.3, pikes 1 also. But halberds have a speed of 1, with ap stat and a 4 spear bonus to cavalry. This may very well explain why any halberd (voulge swordstaff included) can tear through quite a lot, and why JHI being better then almost any can decimate nearly anything.

I doubt that the billmen and 2hd axemen have an animation problem vs's cavalry. But they have such a slow attack speed compared the cavalry that they end up in a near continual parry lock. I have tested them quite a lot and have noticed that on very rare occasions they will indeed kill a knight after a charge, just very rarely.

A speed increase might be in order for them, and probably at least the 4_spear attribute for the billmen.