What blackbow is saying is the cost of placing ONE horse archer is tremendous, regarding his actual efficiency in battle.
Maybe after a patch that would add speed bonus on archery/throwing/crossbowing when on horseback, it would be logical; but actually it is just plain stupid and will prevent the teams from using all the classes present in the game, leading to less strategy, variety, fun and ruining the Nation Cup for those who plays such classes.
Using a HA/HC/HT in a 10v10 match with organized teams in formation, with ranged covered by pikemen/cav and a solid group of infantry, how could they be THAT powerful that we have to use 2 slots for ONE ? Frankly it would take a master horse ranged and a stupid team in the opposite corner for me to select a ranged cav with this rule.
This isnt a competition-breaking problem, just a small point that could be adressed with proper reasoning.
Regarding Nation Cup probability of success, 2 days ago I was 99% sure it would be simply cancelled (and my french teammates too). This isnt just people doubting and being afraid, this is a case of poor reactivity of the admin team. I understand after Plavor has posted that Zotte had to take lots of role and deal with his RL too, but you cant have a really ambitious event and use such excuses.
You saved NC from total chaos just in time and I hope you'll find ways to keep this rolling until everyone's ready to hack each others to pieces.