Yes. At least that's my impression, I don't do SP myself. Looking at the download numbers of the last entry in the dispute thread I don't get the feeling that it's inactive.  

I was in a game where it was used quite recently. I think its just that people prefer the comfort of knowing their position to come up with strategies before the game starts. I like it both ways.

Caesar III is a city builder add more layers of complexity. It doesn't mean that I don't close myself off to these ideas. But those ideas don't come alone.  

@Asher here are three examples of Athens Spearman.  Keep in mind you still can't attack in formation, and brace is stand guard.  So if you are in Phalanx and Brace, you only receive the extra resistances until you engage.  You can't move with both of them because brace is 0 movement.

It could change in the second phase. As I understand it, the first phase is a rural settlement.   ---These ideas are already in DE.--- 1. Land Use and ZoningIn antiquity, land near the city center was highly valuable. The game could reflect this through strict building zones:   Central Urban Zone: The area immediately surrounding the Civic Center would only allow houses, temples, markets, blacksmiths, and government structures. Farming Restrictions: The game would completely block players from placing large crop fields inside the city's central radius. What existed were family gardens in the houses.