Okay, so if they are practically identical to Polybian Principes why the uber bump in ukpeep? The upgrade comes with over 40% increase in upkeep, but you only gain +20% soldiers, so what gives? It can't be because of recruitment area, because the team already said that they do not take that into account with stats and costs.

My problem with the Marian Reforms is NOT with the Cohors Reformata. My problem with them is the Cohors Evocata and Antesignani. Those are supposed to be super good and rare units, yet their stats are barely mediocre. Antesignani probably lose out to Cohors Reformata because of numbers, and Cohors Evocata get the equivalent of ONE, yes, ONE extra volley of pila from their attack bonus.
So basically your "elites" stink compared to other elites, despite supposedly being the product of over a decade of experience and training with the best military machine of the ancient world.

Oh, and Augustan Legionnaires really were elites. They were used only in the most dire situations and only consistently lost in the Civil Wars of Rome. They were capable of besting nearly any enemy who came their way, and should be shown for the badasses they were in the game.