They are Carthaginian citizens. They count. From what I can gather, during the 3rd century bc, Carthaginian citizen infantry seem to have been called up in times of crisis. I will adress why I believe that aristocrats fought as cavalry in the text bellow.
The times Carthaginian citizen infantry are mentioned during the game's time frame are times of crisis - Roman invasions of Africa, Mercenary war etc.
I'm inclined to believe that Carthaginian aristocracy fought as cavalry in the 3rd century bc.
There are no mentions of elite/noble/rich hoplite formations in that time right? I don't know of any.
They had an unfortunate track record fighting as hoplites in the 4th century bc. It was far safer to be mounted.
Carthaginian armies shifted more attention to cavalry warfare in the game's time frame.
They could afford it.
I can live at ease with those two units.
We know that Carthage had infantry and cavalry. The Liby-Phoenician hoplites represent men of average wealth. Men of average wealth formed up the heavy infantry.
The Liby-Phoenician cavalry represent men of above average wealth. Together with the aristocrats, they form up the cavalry.
The Sacred Band was wiped out in the 4th century bc and are never mentioned again. There are no mentions of elite hoplites in the game's time frame. That, Carthage's unwillingness to once again commit its best citizens to the front ranks (I am by no means calling them cowards, the Romans did the same) and Carthage's shift towards a more cavalry oriented warfare makes me believe aristocrats would have fought as cavalry in EB2's time.
That's the thing. When things are going well and Carthage is fighting abroad, citizens do not form a significant part of a Carthaginian land force. Only when things go bad do they get called up en masse. That's the smart thing to do. You do not risk people who are vital in many ways, especially vital to the economy, without good reason.
Greek/Macedonian elite units are well documented and were a vital part of any successful campaining Hellenistic army. They deserve every slot.
On the other hand, when we talk about successful campaining Carthaginian armies, we're talking about Libyans, Iberians, Numidians, Celts etc.
Very different approaches.
I believe that the Carthaginian aristocracy should be represented with a cavalry unit, while an elite citizen infantry unit requires more evidence.