[PvK]

From a practical cost-effectiveness standpoint, I think adding combat equipment to warrior commanders is a speculative investment. It has a big effect on their personal effectiveness and survival, but not as big an effect as summons or other gem uses on battle victory... up to a point. However, once abilities become great enough, from items and experience and heroic abilities and buffs, they can become more and more powerful, able to either take out large numbers of enemies, or able to take out opponents which the regular troops can't handle.

There are also considerations such as a large group of summons requiring a bunch of supplies and leadership to add to an army, while magic gear doesn't require either. It can sometimes Last a lot longer, too.

PvK