I voted "top tier UU, nothing more" mostly because Im and idiot and hit the wrong button. I meant to vote "overpowered, needs a nerf". But since I voted already I am going to attempt to defend my positon like the idiot that hit the wrong button would.
I have actually never had a problem playing against them. That is the beauty of civ. Oh I have had my a$$ beat back to my first 3 cities by preats several time. But ya know what I did? I payed my tribute and rolled over like a good little pupper state. Then when preats were gone and I had enough time to rebuild I steamrolled Rome. Partially through military tactics and partially through cleverly cutting them off in certain places and staunching thier growth.
So now I make my move before or after they get preats, if Rome is my neighbor. Usually after since I dont play smaller maps and some times its hard to get a rush through before they get iron working. The whole time I tell whichever Ceasar it is, how cool they are and give 'em stuff so they wont beat me down like the barbarian swine that they think I am.
One on one in a steel cage they are ******edly powerful. But civ gives you more options than that. Of course the AI probably cant handle them like I can, so thats a strike against my theory.
Hey I got an idea! Maybe they should be like Str 6, with +25% vs Axes, and +25% vs Swords, and get Drill 1. And while were at it we should change thier name, since preats were just a small royal body guard. Legionaire, that would be a good name. Cant remember where I saw that.... oh well mustve been imagining it.