i might run some cavalry tests later. i would like to run some more infantry tests but not all factional units are available in custom battle. does anyone know how to fix that?
Yeah. You have to open the EB start menu file and click the multiplayer version of EB, not single. Or, if you use that fancy-schmancy launcher, multiplayer might be on that as well.

also the hypaspistai switch to their spears in close combat, which is making totally no sense but whats even weirder is that they are more effective that way than when using their swords...
I believe if you click on the unit you want to control, and then hold down ALT amd right click the unit you are fighting, they will then use their secondary weapons in the fight (assuming that's what you want to do).

When you finish all these tests, give us your final assessment on whether these elites are cost-effective or not. As far as I know, nobody has ever denied that they are not cost-effective in head up fights, but rather bring up points like "they can hold a critical point in the line" or "they never break" etc. But hey, if you can somehow achieve a different result, lets hear about it, and more power to you.