ciV modded units not gaining levels

[zeock9]

i used d2d service to purchase the game, found ciV installed under Steam commonapp folder, fooled around mostly with its units XML files as i've been doing for a long time with cIV, everything works fine except that new units i created or even slightly altered don't gain levels more;

when they attack or are attacked, blue floating texts show that XPs are gained and they indeed count towards the great general production bar, but the unit themselves don't show any level information when i hover mouse over them as they should and they don't gain any levels therefore no promotions either.

i double checked the promotions XML file to make sure that the new units are eligible for promotions.

any ideas as to what i should look into?

thanks,