Suggestion: Tiered Leveling

Would help.  The OP's original issue is a biggie, whether we want to fix it that way or some other way.

Maybe special abilities could be available at costs of 2 or more.  Not just the abilities we can pick when we create custom sovies, but also things like "this unit does not provoke counterattacks", etc.

I like the idea of adding special abilities, too.

Tiered? Why so complicated?

Adjust the XP they need to gain a new level and they'll just get more of those.
That's just one number.  No code change required.

If you could "save" your level up points there could be abilities to buy as well.  Right now you can't leave the window until the displayed points = 0.

Personally I'd love to see the sovereign and champions have a full RPG level-up, with distinct ability trees, specializations, etc.  While we're at it, a more visceral / interactive equipment screen (paper doll, maybe) would be great.

That said, I expect those are waaaaaay out of scope; either of the existing suggestions (tiered or more common levels) should be helpful.

There is a file that seems to govern hero leveling in the world folder. I believe it has data that does exactly what you suggested with getting more points at higher levels. It also gives a special ability point every 4 levels. Since there is no special ability tree and the leveling system now is 1 point for all levels, I would say this is work in progress.

Maybe around say 1.5 we will see a change. Until then I suggest changing the coreunitstats file to give more hp for every point spent. I have my game modded so that heroes can actually compete against units and creature of the same level. Novel idea.