I think it would be alot fairer, and more realistic gameplay-wise if each unit had to stand next to/garrison in a blacksmith for 3-5 seconds before receiving the extra armor/attack damage.
Additionally, each piece of armor/weaponry should cost 2/4/8 gold and stone, as the minerals would have to be mined from the earth.
It would stop units magically becoming stronger on the battlefield, and eliminate the guessing game of when your opponent gets his upgrades, which can make or break engagements.
Extra points: It would be really cool, but almost impossible to mod it so that each blacksmith was localized, not global. Only the armor from that particular blacksmith that researched it would be available.
Additionally, each piece of armor/weaponry should cost 2/4/8 gold and stone, as the minerals would have to be mined from the earth.
It would stop units magically becoming stronger on the battlefield, and eliminate the guessing game of when your opponent gets his upgrades, which can make or break engagements.
Extra points: It would be really cool, but almost impossible to mod it so that each blacksmith was localized, not global. Only the armor from that particular blacksmith that researched it would be available.