Barracks this early in the game are absolutely not necessary. We need units, not experience. (see PB2)
Allthough it's emperor level, don't forget we'll only be having warriors coming at us (type of barb units depends on which techs have been researched. In SP, all the AI's start with Archery, hence a lot of archers appearing. See PB2, all those barb cities appeared with warriors inside).
And I don't think Monotheism will be reached that quick by the other teams. We won't be able to work a lot of cottages anyhow because of our small size.
Anyway, we don't have to decide our tech path right away. I suggest we keep discussing until BW comes in (ETA 13 turn I think). It just seems a pity to go for Monarchy and not get the benefits of the techs we need to get there.
Allthough it's emperor level, don't forget we'll only be having warriors coming at us (type of barb units depends on which techs have been researched. In SP, all the AI's start with Archery, hence a lot of archers appearing. See PB2, all those barb cities appeared with warriors inside).
And I don't think Monotheism will be reached that quick by the other teams. We won't be able to work a lot of cottages anyhow because of our small size.
Anyway, we don't have to decide our tech path right away. I suggest we keep discussing until BW comes in (ETA 13 turn I think). It just seems a pity to go for Monarchy and not get the benefits of the techs we need to get there.