For PD I read somewhere else that someone(I can't remember who) suggested to use archers in equal numbers with the PD. It really works well, especially since the PD absorb so much damage (you really need a lvl 3 priest to make the absorb lots of dmg) while the archers(national or indy, either will do) take apart the enemy. I play machaka ALL the time, use massive armies of hopts and archers(bags of wine and giant cauldrons required) with small amounts of Black Hunters to take out rear units.
What I've been doing to help my hopts with the front row fighting (and my supply issues) is using Vine Ogres, right now with my Druid pretender I can summon 5 at a time, for only 1 nature gem.
