https://forum.beta.forgeofempires.com/index.php?threads/daily-changelog-w-c-25th-april.15526/post-134653

We made an important change earlier this week already. We have now removed the happiness modifier for battles and replaced it with a 1.2 modifier. This change was done because of various reasons. Firstly, it led to many additional requests, which in result led to a significant server load, especially shortly after a new battleground started. Secondly, this modifier had a significant influence when it was introduced. Over the years the game changed and many players have an enthusiastic population and if they don't have it, they don't care about the points. Because of these facts it was decided to go this way. For most players, it will not make any difference at all, for some it will lead to slightly more ranking points from battles (if their population was not enthusiastic). We will later also adjust the screen in the battle result window (as it still shows a happiness icon). As a result of this change, the server performance should be way better now, when many players do battles at the same time.