So I agree, but I don’t think that Berbers and Malians are strong enough before post-imp for it to be “fair” that they need to win there.
Given that they need to win before post-imp, it seems that Mongols+Huns have a significant civ advantage, which seems like bad balance.
Just buffing their castle age would make them OP on maps which are decided in castle age, so the best balance solution is to make them stronger in post-imp.
The problem isn’t farimba, it’s Heavy Camel and Paladin, in my opinion.
Something in the general direction of
- HC +1 pierce armour
- HC +3 attack, -3 bonus damage
- Paladin -10 hp
Would help