[WraithLord]

I think vfb is correct. At least this is how I understood the description. Its not like growth is not possible for Aby, its that they gain much less from it than the other nations. Optimization and synergy being the key words.

One possible fix to Aby is conj1/conj0 national spell that summon soldier like units. This way they will depend less on income for early start. Later in game luck/blood/expansion will allow Aby to live with sucky income.