Thoughts and questions...

[Pezlu]

They were there for suppressing fire against flank attacks including cavalry.RTW can't do this. I like CNC 3 because units have a suppression meter where they move slower but have higher defense when shot at too many times. In front I don't know. Lots of armies put their cavalry and missles all in front and wings. It is weird.

I've used the cavalry in front when defending sometimes: you can use it to lure a few enemy units away or to smash the weak points before they come in contact with your infantry; when the "true battle" begins, the enemy lines will be incomplete (or shorter, if they took time to reorganize). Best used in conjunction with some hidden troops to damage the enemy formation more.

When they make contact you can easily flank their isolated units, or their shorter line. And when your cavalry is done with the units the enemy kept back, you can use it as a normal "hammer".

Extremely useful when the enemy attacks you with a very small army; you can even rout it completely without using your infantry. And, maybe, prepare yourself for enemy reinforcements (they rarely attack you with small armies if they don't have reinforcements :P).

About the archers on the flanks, I guess you could still get an advantage: you would be able to hit the flanks of the enemy troops during the melee. However, you must find a way to protect your archers effectively. Never used them that way however, just guessing.

[Ibrahim]

your opinions are very good, and I appretiate the creative thinking involved. If anyone likes to know more, check out that thread on tactics used by individual members.