Completely disagree with using character level. If you have a "one handed weapon" skill, then it's painfully obvious that combat ability while using a one handed weapon should be by USING THE SKILL WITH WHICH THE WEAPON IS USED and not the arbitrary number that can be raised through dealing with logistical problems, scouting a road or patching wounds.
I am not saying that the system of char level is better than the one we have now. In theory OF COURSE the current system makes more sense, is more realistic, and should work very well. But it doesn't. This is probably the fifth time mentioning it, there is no discernible difference in combat proficiency of troops currently. While the previous system was flawed you could at least notice the difference. Not saying the devs should put that system back in.
If you put strip away the equipment from a legionary and a recruit, put the same rags on them and give them a club and fight them individually, you couldn't tell who was who because you'd kill them in the same two hits. The only thing you MIGHT notice is that the legionary would attempt to swing at you a bit quicker than the recruit. That is all. That is all there is to this current system.