High range archers are good against less range ranged units basically. +2 range doesn’t help against melee units much such as Cavalier. For instance, Longbow isn’t better than generic arbalest in terms of killing infantries.
If you can’t afford Paladin, you simply go cavalier. Cavalier also works. Persians and Burgundians can afford Paladin also Keshik, Boyar, Tarkan, Leitis work against Göktürks. Generic Skirmisher + Heavy Cavalry good composition against Göktürks.
I fear mostly 15% food bonus + 30% cheaper blacksmith might steamroll most of civs in early game to late castle. Early Imperial power is least concern.