They do seem underrated to me, its almost a waste to not use them as the germans, and they have only gotten stronger since the embassy and uni. Just dont forget protect.
+20% attack from nation bonus(and faster rally)
+10%(+2% p/level) attack from the Aztecs.
+10%(+2% p/level) hp from the Cherooke
+30% attack/hp from uni.
+10% hp from Versailles