Re: Leveraging Magic Bows
 

A sleeper with a Horn of Valor and a magic bow amongst archers is a wonderful boost to morale (not to mention the sleeper is quite a killer shooter with his high precission, as mentioned above).

Re: Leveraging Magic Bows
 

With a strength of 17, they're rather nice with the lightning bow, too; especially if you can give them quickness.

Re: Leveraging Magic Bows
 

If cheap scouts is your preference, try playing Caelum (pre 11 flying scouts), Man (pre 12 foresters), Tir na n'Og and Formoria (pre 12 fir bolg scouts), Vanheim and Helheim (pre 12 glamored van scouts), and Jomon (pre 14 ninjas).

Re: Leveraging Magic Bows
 

It's not so much that cheap is my preference, rather the stealthy part with the scouts, so you can surprise your enemy with a rain of arrows.
Chances are that he most likely won't be preparing for archers if he doesn't see them in the army, eg. mist, storm, darkness, while you can prepare flaming arrows, wind guide.

Re: Leveraging Magic Bows
 

If stealthed archers are what you want, they're really accessible already as national troops and many indies. No need to spend precious gems.

Re: Leveraging Magic Bows
 

Yes, however while I do find stealthy units reasonable often, I rarely find stealthy commanders to lead the units.