The points values for Superior and Elite troops can often be double that of an Average troop type. Often this means being able to field twice the number of bases as your opponent. But which is better - quality or quantity. The answer is never straightforward.
A small BG of Elite troops can quickly be humbled by a couple of BG's of Average troops if they can get in a flank or rear charge.
But in a straight fight (say 4 bases v 4 bases) where Superior Troops meet Average troops (for example) its a no brainer. The Superior often have POA's at Impact and in Melee and the ability to re-roll 1's is often a key element to victory.
But can extra bases counteract the benefits of improved troop quality?
Lets assume two BG's meet. A Superior BG of 4 bases and an Average of 6 bases. The Superior has a POA but only in melee (all dice rolls below are real and as they happened)
At impact its 8 dice vs 8 dice. The Average throw just 3 hits (they also throw two 1's but can't re-roll). The Superior throw just 2 hits (eek) BUT the dice include four 1's! These are re-rolled but deliver just 1 hit (typical of my dice!). But as a consequence the melee is drawn as opposed to lost. Both make their death rolls. Superior status +1.
In melee its 6 dice vs 4 but the Superior have a POA. The Average throw for a whopping 5 hits (ouch). The Superiors throw 4 hits - close but they lose the melee. They make the cohesion test but lose a base.
Next melee its 6 v 3. This time the Average only get 1 hit (and throw three 1's!). The Superior throw 3 hits and win the melee. The Average make their cohesion test but lose a base.
Next melee its 5 v 3. Four hits vs 1. The Superior fail the cohesion test and a base (note that if they were Average they would Autobreak at this stage so Superior +2).
Next melee its 5 v 2. 0 hits against 2 (with a re-rolled 1). The Average fail the cohesion test but not the death roll. So Superior +3.
Next melee its 4 v 2. 2 hits against 1. The Superior pass both tests.
Next melee : 1 hits vs 2. The Average fail the cohesion test AND lose a base.
Next melee : Its now 2 dice vs 2. 0 hits to 1. The Average fail the cohesion test and go Broken (but pass the death roll).
So even with more bases and some impressive dice throwing, the Average BG comes a cropper against the Superior unit (albeit leaving it in pretty bad shape). As can be seen above though, the Superior nature of the troops counted in 3 key elements of the battle - at Impact and during 2 melees.
Lets go again. This time 8 bases vs 4.
At impact the Average get 3 hits. The Superior get 5 hits and a re-roll which is another hit! The Average lose a base (the Superiors dont) and fail the cohesion test.
Melee - 5 dice to 4. the Average get 1 hit. The Superior get 2 hits and 2 re-rolls(!) giving 3 hits in total. The Average fail another cohesion test and go Fragmented but dont lose a base.
Melee - 3 dice to 4. 2 hits to 1 but another 2 re-rolls which is another hit - so a draw.
Melee - 3 dice to 4. 1 hit to 2 plus re-roll which results in 3 hits. Average fail the cohesion test but keep their base. They go Broken.
Again - the ability to re-roll 1's has had amassive impact. This combat actually went better for the Superior than when they took on less opposition.
This scenario has been replicated in our Punic War battles. Once the lines clash the lesser numbers of Roman troops manage to dish out more damage than they receive and have rarely lost combats once battle has been joined.
So having lots of troops on the field is one thing. Having quality troops on the field quite another!