Even leather armour was fairly expensive in ancient times.I think the Spear Brothers should wear layers of padded clothes as a primitive version of a Gameberson.
I really think CA should of offered reforms to the barbarian factions as players would develop their cultures, it makes no sense to play as the Suebi having full control of Germania developed your settlements and have nothing to show your achievements only able to use the same rabble of ill disciplined and poorly equipped warriors you had back when you a small tribe.