I bought advance recruitment and got expert recruitment right away. This is in game 25.

So you purchased advanced recruitment to be able to start training squires and pikemen, but now have the option to train macemen and falcs without having had to purchase the expert recruitment tech?

I think you have your "Techs" mixed up Bloody. Advanced recruitment is joining troops of different levels in the barracks. Expert recruitment you can join them on the battlefield or anywhere.

Ah so...my bad! I must have (looks to see what proof that bourbon was) had a few too many

Drink one for me, my friend.