While certain abilities may require "unlocks" you cant just say that because they require unlocks you shall not consider them. That would be downright foolish. When assessing balance it needs to be done from a complete company downwards. By this i mean the company should be assumed to be full and finished. Invariably this will lead to imbalances upon the way, which has ALWAYS been the way in EIR. Its one of the interesting aspects of persistence, things change as the game progresses.
is the other company as crippled during the process? Inevitably a level 1 will be disadvantaged against a level 8, but at least commanders of the equivalent level should be balanced.
If a doctrine has to be level 8 to be competent, then the doctrine is flawed
would you guys be fine if a doctrine is underppowered early on but completely overpower at the late game?