I understand unit progression is important to the game. What doesn't make sense is why some hillbilly farmer needs to prove himself in combat to earn the usage of a shield. It's a wooden board, there are legitimately 50 denar shields that are just planks of wood stuck together. Let me pay for his equipment and boost himself to T2. If he turns into an archer why does he need to experience combat with a sword or a spear anyways? Just give him a bow and let him practice. I would gladly pay 200 denars to boost recruits into T2 units.