by Ichirou
The retreat before combat thing sound like you are trying to simulate a cavalry screen designed to hinder enemy movement. It would certainly favor the player with the larger number of light cavalry, though I'm wondering if it would favor them too much?Maybe it should be a function of the movement phase, where as soon as units move into contact with cavalry, the decision to retreat must be made. If a retreat does happen and the hex is vacated, then the moving force expends one extra movement point, but may continue moving, otherwise movement ends as per normal. That way the cavalry could slow enemy forces, but not directly stop them which is where I feel the rule as suggested might give cavalry a bit too much power. It does ruin the Pursuit idea though.
I do like the other suggested changes, and I'll have to give them a try next time I play this one, which hopefully will be soon.