[Saber Cherry]

Unfortunately, I find melee commanders to be either disposible or invincible. Using multiple forges on disposable commanders (aside from a single elemental resistance / water-breathing / flying / arrow resistance / magic unit command / supply-bonus item, depending on the opponent and troops) is a bad idea. Melee forges like swords, helmets, shields, and armors are excellent on invincible supercombattants, and nearly worthless on mortals. Take your choice - forge logistical items (above) or ranged items like bows, lifelong protections, wands of wildfire, and such for mortal commanders, or melee items for invincible commanders. But never vice-versa.

Assassins and heroic leaders are exceptions. They are mortal, but you want to keep them alive as long as possible. But don't send a unit with ~10 HP into general melee combat, regardless of its equipment.