[Hoplosternum]

Very nation dependent. Some nations don't seem to be viable without high Production. Such as Jomon which only has a single shieldless spearmen that costs less than 20 resources. You just can't build armies quickly enough without it.

But most nations - even those with high resource costing troops - seem to be able to take some sloth. Once your capital has all the surrounding lands resources are not usually the limiting factor except for occasiional emergency builds. So while most nations can pick Sloth and spend their points elsewhere there are some nations - like Jomon - who just seem to need maximum production.

Production does allow a lot more independent chaff to be recruited. But I doubt many people (sp or mp) see this as central to their strategy. And of course for the resource expensive stuff like Heavy cavalry and Heavy Infantry you probably have good national alternatives if you have picked a nation needing Production.