FWIW, on the points system I posted derived from the Lasalle lists Russian Guard + Guard Cav is 119pts, French Guard 1813 + Guard Cav 1813 is 122pts. Not sure there is a big edge either way. The Russian infantry looks better, the French Guard cavalry looks better (2 extra units even if poor quality would be very useful) - but is a reserve choice which are generally overvalued.
You realize without any persuit cav it could well be impossible to get any kind of major victory.....
This is a real limitation for both sides. If you want pursuit cav, the French really have to choose Neapololitan or Polish ally cavalry (the other cavalry allies are not as good). The Russians really have to take Light Cav or Dragoons as reserves.
If you were brave the Russians could take organic Cuirassiers (looks better to me than Guard Cav) and hope to stomp all over the enemy cav. But if you find the other guy has 5 little Neopolitan cav units spread around the table that is going to be tough to track them all done - like squashing cockroaches.
The French Guard Cav (1813) is a tough force, and you might just be able to hunt down all the other guys pursuit cavalry - but coming on late that is going to be tough.
That is a good point about Vigor and tactics....French table is much better.....
Having used Austrians a bit now, it is pretty easy to for the CinC to cover for a bad commander (amazing how easy it is to leave a bad subcommander hiding in a corner), particularly if you are attacking and have one OK subcommander. The real cost is bad Vigor for a Reserve commander - that extra turn they take to come on is very significant. Bad generals and Reserves dont mix.
Cam