I agree that it's probably wiser to get things together in skirmish first, since it's the more basic mode and one the straight up pvp has been balanced and worked out, balancing captain shouldn't affect skirmish balance too much.
The devs have failed to establish why making 2 different sets of classes for each mode would be an impossibility. It is very much possible to just make skirmish focused classes that work well in small 1 on 1 combat, and then have a separate set of classes specifically catered toward captain mode balance. Both groups would be happy, and the coding effort required to make this change would be minimal.
As you have mentioned making changes in the game affects all game modes AND Single Player because they all use the same core of the game where all simulations and combat happens. We can not split the game mechanics for different game modes but we will always make adjustments where it is necessary.
Would you think different perk options (and troop count difference) be enough or would it require more separate balancing?
The basic combat parameters and game mechanics would be the exact same across all modes,
but the classes and perks would be different. Perfect solution.
@AVRC
You could even have 2 tabs in the Armory section of the Multiplayer menu one that says [Skirmish] the other [Captain] If I click on [Skirmish] tab I will be shown the different classes for skirmish mode, what all their equipment and perks are, etc. And then if I click on [Captain] a whole new set of unit classes would appear with different weapons/armor and different perks designed specifically for captain mode. In this way you gaurentee that if anyone is ever confused about which unit is good or what the classes are, they have a place that will explain to them in detail the different classes. That way there can be no claims that having 2 different sets of classes will be "too overwhelming" for casual players, as some developers from TaleWorlds have suggested.
The basic combat parameters and game mechanics would be the exact same across all modes,
ONLY the classes and perks would be different.
Below are just some mock-hypothetical differences you could accomplish, and are not actual suggested value adjustments.
Skirmish:
Warrior:
Stats - 100 Hitpoints, 25 movespeed, 22 armor.
Perks - 2-handed axe, shield, 1-handed spear.
Brigand:
Stats - 95 Hitpoints, 29 movespeed, 15 armor. 4 Starting javelins.
Perks - Extra javelins+2, Strong javelins, improved armor.
Captain:
Warrior:
Stats - 120 Hitpoints, 23 movespeed, 17 armor.
Perks - Strong Shield, 2-handed Spear, +4 additional units(Reinforcements).
Brigand:
Stats - 135 Hitpoints, 32 movespeed, 13 armor. 8 Starting javelins.
Perks - Extra javelins +4, Longsword, Bigger shield.
If you are worried about them having the same name and causing confusion, just change the name of the captain classes. From warrior to soldier, from Brigand to Bandit. Problem solved. We captain mode players would gladly take time out of our days to help design these new classes and perks if you need any extra help.
And finally to reiterate one final time to get my point across:
The basic combat parameters and game mechanics would be the exact same across all modes,
ONLY the classes and perks would be different.
Please tell me this is something that is achievable, because if not I find it very unlikely that you will ever create an enjoyable experience for both modes simultaneously. As long as the two modes share the same perks and classes, the Skirmish side will be happy for a short time, until changes meant for Captain ruin the balance of their mode, and then the Captain side will be happy for a short time, until the balance patch designed for Skirmish comes around and ruins the balance yet again, then Skirmishers will be happy once more and the cycle repeats on and on and on and back and forth until both sides get fed up with it.
If having different perks / classes is not possible, will someone explain to me why Berserkers in Skirmish have a light shield that spawns on their unit, whereas in Captain mode, only the "captain" unit spawns in with this light shield? It seems to me this distinction is VERY possible, and we have evidence for it.