Arbalests vs HCA in late-game?

Hi everyone,

I've been playing the Japanese more and more these days, and I'm starting to love them, be it on water or open/closed maps. But since I know I'm pretty bad at this game and I want to improve (pretty sure I'm a LEL even though I've never played ranked) I'm trying to diversify my armies more and more instead of just spamming post-Imp Champions and Samurai with Trebs.

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I've realized that Japanese have FU Arbalests as well as FU Heavy Cavalry Archers, and since I know it's good to use ranged units when available and that the Japanese are pretty alright in terms of archery range (though they don't have a direct bonus from it), I was curious which one was the best for early Imp or post Imp? And also with which units I should pair them up with (Samurai? Siege? Halbs?)

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I usually play in Team Games with a lot of my friends who are alright at this game imo (though they've never played ranked as well), and I do enjoy playing aggressively and in flank position although I don't know if that changes anything.

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Any advice on which unit to use against which unit/civ or in which situation is highly appreciated. Thank you so much and have a good day! :)