i like the battlefield advantage % but maybe with tactics instead of damage you get access to traps, special formations like phylanx. maybe even battlefield selections.
what makes inf die in this game is their weapons. they have longer swords in close quarters that they cant swing when moshed up. in a shield wall they dont attack much and room again. in a spaced out formation they can actually swing and fight but eventually get moshed up again.
the infantry ai is why i think vlad recruits are very good. they only have spears. short spears. you see 4 or 5 hitting the same target in close quarters and they hit them before then are even close . if heavy infantry like the legionary used their spears as primaries until someones in their face they could win but man those recruits tear people up.
archers run on of ammo on your shield wall send in cav crushes them. heaviest armor in game with pike and swords. the ai doesnt use the spears automaticly so recruits with only spears hold infantry back way better then swords. even then multile pikes can hit the same unit in close quarters with the vland recruits and then you have shieldes infantry behind them as they are softened up plus the cav still running around.
i would pit a gladiator vs 6 armored knights. gladiators are not slow bulky enemies and very skilled probably with arms and hand to hand and wrestling. peasants trying to use weapons they have never used.
anything layered over the body helps vs slashing. even cloth ect depending how thick is it. chainmail helps vs slashing not so much peircing and plated metal armor is still goign to help with slashing and helps with piercing aswell because the angles ect on the armor. blunt damage is the way through plate knights didnt use shields as much because they didnt have to worry so much about damage and could focus on offensive attacks.
just saves time. tordaments you have to go and find them fight do the dialog.