Resourceless UU strategic advantage?

[gettingfat]

Holkans can be quite deadly if used properly. Generally playing the little boy you research BW, if there is copper nearby definitely research wheel to hook it up. Axe rush is still more effective anyway. If no, and if there is an AI capital very close, you can immediately research hunting, while at the same time pump out warriors. Forget about the settler (and IMHO skip the barrack as well). Once hunting is done. Stop the research to 0%. Build and whip a couple of holkans, then use the money to upgrade the warriors into holkans. 5 holkans will generally be able to take out a non-protective leader not settling on hill. 6 are almost a sure bet. If you're unlucky enough to run into Hammurabi or Mansa, then forget about it.

It's too bad Mayan starts with mysticism. Early war and early religion are esentially mutually exclusive.

 

[Molybdeus]

(and IMHO skip the barrack as well).

I agree. Barracks are only worth building for an early rush for Aggressive leaders.

 

[Artichoker]

Axemen have the flexibility of choosing Iron or Copper, which is usually enough to make them accessible--plus, they have the very nice +50% vs. melee units.

So, in other words, Jaguars are trying to fill the niche that is already partially filled by Swordsmen and Axemen. That niche is, specifically, when neither Copper nor Iron are available; or, when attacking cities defended by Archers, or when attacking Chariots.