how in gods name would that effect strat tactics, do you know what that word means? No one is forced to retire at level 31
It would change how a clan does mercing. In addition, it would change how you handle your clan on the strat map. If you have lots of low levels, you would be able to garner larger armies quicker at the cost of having to get outside mercs to make up for your levels. If you have High levels, you'd need more members to field comparable armies. Nuancing the recruitment system and mercing system. Do i have good high level mercs, average mercs, or low level mercs. Do i have larger less daunting armies, a normal army, or less men. It's not hard to see how it would immediately impact strat.
Also, the devs implemented bonus's for higher level retiring, only reason why this would be valid. 1 week ago I wouldn't even put it up there. At least now high levels will get something decent out of it in addition to different strat benefits.