This might be controversial... but

... having started re-playing this game a short while ago, watching a lot of build order / strategy videos and watching pros on Twitch...

I feel like higher tier games are all about precision in dark age -> feudal and then attacking / aggressiveness in feudal / early castle.

Very few, if any, games seem to go to imperial or, if they do, units are never really upgraded.

This is why deathmatch used to appeal to me but I really am enjoying the progression of an economy / civ this time around.

I would love a 3v3 / 4v4 where I have time to establish an economy / defense / army and then go all in for a huge battle but it seems that’s not the meta or style for higher level games...