The European civs would be fine if they added more users of: Camels, Steppe Lancers, Elephants or Eagles heck even Dromon.
Can they extend the use of these underutilized units and thus expand the gameplay? If so great I will be your champion especially if you can justify them without their elite upgrade for even further tech tree unique design
That said I still don’t understand nationalistic pride for a time 5 centuries detached from today and fantastical elements.