i think they should test it first as an expansion for M2TW. see how it work out in a current engine (with few improvements). from the players response, CA can make a guideline of creating NTW.

personally, i see no fault in the M2TW gunpowder units. in a late period, half of my armies are gunpowders (i play turks and i build a lot of janissari musketeers and cannons).