edit: complementing the idea, the dark age archers should have lower statistics than in feudal as it happens with the man-at-arms, english, I propose that in the dark age they do not have the +5 bonus against light infantry, and decrease their life . That would make Absais’ feudal arite useful but not unstoppable with spearmen.
Another idea is to decrease their transition to feudal, other civilizations spend with 4 villagers in 1 minute 35 seconds, and with 5 villagers in 1 minute 22 seconds