As mentioned, mod friendly.
It's just wishful thinking to expect CA, or most companies, to focus on realism and historical accuracy. Arcade gameplay and easy mechanics and gameplay, with shiny graphics (and preferably "cool" units like flaming pigs), cater to the masses, which equals copies sold and monies made.
And the above is just fine, as long as the modding community is allowed to step up and get the data access and tools they need to make the games that I desire; DarthRome2 until Europa Barbarorum 2 is released.