Quote Originally Posted by Centurio Nixalsverdrus
Btw, I always wondered why Pheraspidai have defence ability of 12, while Hypaspistai have 8? I know Hypas and Pheras were both members of the same corps, equipped and trained to serve in a different role. So why should Pheraspidai be 50% better in defence than Hypaspistai, when they are virtually the same? Or is it just to equalize the 14 armour of the Hypas with the 10 armor of the Pheras? The same goes for the Kuruathoroi. They have exactly the same stats as Hypaspistai, but shouldn't they have an armour value of ca. 12 instead of 14, wearing mail armour while the Hypaspistai wear a bronze cuirass?
The Hypaspistai should actually have a slightly better defense. This was a mistake that has been fixed in our latest internal edu.

Quote Originally Posted by JMRC
I made some tests putting sword units against spear units with similar strengths and attributes and could not find such a clear advantage as is being said here.
Besides, it was very difficult to find similar units because they have so many variables that you can't say they won just because they had a bonus due to the spears.
I run many tests with the spear attribute and I can tell you that it puts many units at a clear disadvantage.

Code:
; stat_pri_attr
;               primary weapon attributes any or all of
;                   ap = armour piercing. Only counts half of target's armour
;                   bp = body piercing. Missile can pass through men and hit those behind
;                   spear = Used for long spears. Gives bonuses fighting cavalry, and penalties against infantry
;                   long_pike = Use very long pikes. Phalanx capable units only
;                   short_pike = Use shorter than normal spears.
;                   prec = Missile weapon is only thrown/ fired just before charging into combat
;                   thrown = The missile type if thrown rather than fired
;                   launching = attack may throw target men into the air
;                   area = attack affects an area, not just one man
;                   spear & light_spear = The unit when braced has various protecting mechanisms versus cavalry charges from the front
;                   spear_bonus_x = attack bonus against cavalry. x = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12
So, unless there is an error in this description
This is not from the 1.5 edu. Is this BI? Regardless of what it's from, many of the descriptions that CA gave in the edu are pretty much worthless. They fail to mention lethality, they simplify the armor, ds, and shield work, and so forth. So yes, I'd say that there is a good chance that what they say is an error.