Problem with non-phalanx hoplite

[AqD]

I found several serious problems with non-phalanx hoplite (in EB and RTR):

• "light_spear" gives them pushing power but unrealistically weak defense against other infantry. Without light_spear there would be no pushing power, and hoplites would fight just like medieval spearmen in shield_wall...
• The pusing doesn't seem to cause the enemy to break formation or rout at all. In real battle a well-maintained line (not one unit) keeping pushing forward should cause the enemy to be squeezed and eventually routed, because it's nearly impossible to move backward without turning while maintaining the formation. Also it causes deep formations to have NO effect in hoplite vs hoplite battles.
• Hoplite formation not in (RTW's) phalanx tend to get thiner and thiner when they're flanked.
• The formation becomes very loose when not in guard mode.

Any ideas how I should solve these?
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Volcano Vaporizer

[Lord Dakier]

Wouldnt increasing the defence of the Phalanx just be a way around the problem... I know your not removing the problem but in any case its a last resort really.

[AqD]

Because ... +4 is too much and it affects balance in autoresolved battles. And hoplites tend to have more men per unit than swordsmen (yet they just couldn't win with light_spear )
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Chasey_Show live