Now we know quite a bit about the HRE from the Beta. And if that is the state for the release version of the civ, enthusiasts (especially me) will be very disappointed. There ist a lot of stuff just wrong about this civ and it is altogether inferior to others in regards of uniqueness, mechanics, synergies, indentity and strengths. It barely offers anything interesting. All the positive sentiment in regards of the HRE during Beta stems from the fact that it has a strong early economy. Over this the issue that this civ is lacking and lackluster in so many aspects has been mostly overlooked it seems. For me the HRE’s Beta state is literally pathetic. And more so when compared to other civs.
I would like to refer to my thread in which I listed up what is wrong with the HRE and presented some ideas what could have been or could be done about it. In my opinion it becomes obvious that this civ is unfinished and broken: