That rework intends to buff Elephant Archer selectively. So that units like cav Archer and hand cannoneer are still relevant. And EA doesn’t become op like in aoe 1, if able to mass.
Let’s compare its attacks current vs reworked version
Pierce Armor - EA - EEA - Reworked EA - Reworked EEA
0 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 12
1 - 5 - 6 - 6 - 9
2 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 6
3 - 3 - 4 - 2 - 3
4 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3
5 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 3
6+ - 1 - 1 - 2 - 3
Here Pierce Armor doesn’t include blacksmith upgrades. Which get cancelled by attack upgrades. Those civ which don’t get any Armor upgrade are more vulnerable.
Any other piece Armor buff like parthian tactics or civ specific buff or tech should be counted.
The attack boosts against certain units make it cost efficient in some situations. While not being op and able to kill everything if trained as a single unit composition army.
Also the added los buff is a major part as well. Monks are the most brutal counter. And better scouting information helps both with keeping them safe. And making even a single unit benefiting the survival of whole army.