I know they are not the civilizations we are talking about nowadays, but, because I've read the comments in the spreadsheet, I would like us to speak about two civs whose UM2 suffer some problems : Germany and Portugal.
Both of these civs have a replacement for the Musketman (Jaeger for Germany, Cassador for Portugal), knowing that there is already 3 unique Musketmen (Ottoman Janissary, American Minutemen, Iroquois Prowlers) : knowing that there is already several unit with 4 or 5 replacements (I'm looking at you, Spearmen and Knights), and that alternatives have been proposed for both of them, I wanted us to make some more brainstorming about their UM2s.
Germany (alias, the civ with an underwhelming and ultra-late UM1) : I know that the idea of the Teutonic order UW was to provide the military focus Germany needs mid-game (after all, all it has is some bonus production from the Hanse, and some science/culture/GApoints, with no help toward getting new alliances with CStates), and I think that, with tests and time, it could be what Germany needs in the Medieval/Renaissance eras (although, to give "Morale"/"Discipline" and foreign territory bonus at the same time seems a little too much for me).
Even if the Jaeger, as a unit, is very likeable (Reconnaissance promotions for a ranged unit can be very powerful), there is already a Germanic civilization with focus on CStates and mid-to-late game (and Austria does its job very well, with also a focus on gold and GP) and a civilization with much focus on CS and early game (Greece likes to play more wide and can be a warring civ easily enough) : Germany is stuck in-between these two with, once again, only the latest UM in the game as a poor consolation, and giving it a Musketman replacement would only bring it closer to Austria (I humbly think).
N.B. : Moreover, the promotions of the reconnaissance branch are bonus that are already possessed by the Minuteman (ignores terrain cost) and the Prowler (withdraw when attacked in melee + woodsman).
A hard counter to this would be to offer it a very early UM2, hence my previous, but sketchy, proposition for a warrior replacement (alias the
Slaganz), with several unique attributes geared toward the early acquisition and stabilisation of CS alliances (bonus influence when offering the unit to a CS, bonus toward barbarian units or other CS units maybe). Do you have any more idea ?
Portugal : My early idea for the Cassador wasn't very good, and the idea of a civilization with two naval UMs seems interesting to me. The only question is : what to do with this unit ? The Nau is a survivable and powerful Caravel replacement which is made to spread Portuguese influence across the world by implanting Feitora everywhere : what UM2 would contribute in maintaining this influence through the ages ?
Also, I'm working on the last tables (ranged foot units, melee ships, ranged ships) and hope to finish them tomorrow.
I had a friend of mine created the nicer looking version. He is somewhat skilled in drawing and make stuff in 3d as well, but is self taught and only doing it in his spare time. If we need him for some stuff, I can ask him if he would like to participate graphically.
