I know attackers have defenses too. same with defenders.

cavs are designed to flank enemy archers. Pike are designed to defend against attacking cavs preventing to reach the archers.

CAVS should not run toward the enemy and while being murdered


offenders cavs defense should be computed against defender pikes attack.

same with defender cavs will attack offenders archers. without pikemen to defend the thier archers. Offenders should have lots of archer death.

if cav overcome pikes then you lose lots of archers. if the pikes successfully defend the archers, then your archers are free to shoot the engaging enemy. and your pike can still defend your archers in advancing warrior and swordman.

if you attack a city, walls will be the highest defense of all. You don't expect all your troops to destroy the wall first before attacking a enemy troops with lesser defense.