Most boring faction to play as

[Apázlinemjó]

you can build a good native one actually.

the way to do it is to rely on archers and slingers, with a core of infantry and cavalry for support of the archers. re sea axemen, and medium cavalry are very good for that. give them a few chevrons, and things will go well. and as most of your enemies will field light units, at least till later, the archers should do heavy damage.

archer spearmen come to mind, but sabaeans can do well in melee (for archers).

Because the AI is...the AI, but against a heavily armored army, controlled by a player doesn't really work, sadly.