Conceptual Balance Mod v1.92

[Executor]

Well, I still don't like Ashdod in a game. I don't have a problem with their base troops or mages or sacreds but I do object to Adons.

I wouldn't mind playing against Ashdod if they lost Adons. For that matter, I don't think Ashdod can ever be balanced.
IMO, they are the best recruitable unit in the game and quite overpowered. They are much better than both Neif and Fomorian giants for many reasons.

-They have better base paths for gear (as a nation). E/F/S are the most common forging paths. The Jarl have a problem with MR and they have no good buff spells like Adons. Kings have better buffs but still not as good as Adons on the count of diversity, and they also have a MR problem and protection too.
-There is more diversity on Adons than Jarls and Kings, (F/S/E). Phoenix Pyre Adon, Teleporting/Lucky/Ethereal/Astral Shield/High MR Adon, and a Tank like earth Invonerable/High MR/Reinvigorating Adon.
And than there is the extra misc slot. And that additional misc slot is not a minor thing as it opens up quite a few more options. Luck Pendant/AMA/Girdle/Braces of Protection/Burning Pearl depending on which Adon you get. And if you really want to get crazy communion the Adons or forge the communions and cast a dozen buffs and make them literally unstoppable.

So, IMO, other than removing Adons Ashdod will never be balanced.