Hmmm. Currently when an independent flees they have no where to go and thus die. Would it be cool or obnoxious to allow them to flee to another indy province? Or have undefeated indy's recruit slowly (a la late game instead of push overs they're hordes). They'd only get their province income and supply so they'd stay on the small side.
Or to be greedy, have the fleeing indys die and drop their items
I'll try out the flanking archers...generally i keep them centered (although playing tien chi now and they're devestating with wind guide and flame arrows)