Nice tips Baalz!
Maybe I didn't play enough for production to pay off? Probably not as I had lots and lots of resources left once I used up all my gold.
Oh, have you tried using Androphags instead of Oiorpatas? On paper they seem pretty much the same but when the Androphag rider dies you have a nifty blessable lizard left with about 30hp. Quite nice for 60 gold I'd say! They are capital only of course, but that don't stop you from recruiting Oiorpatas everywhere else.
Sorry, I just noticed that Oiorpatas are capital only too. Anyway, I believe the Androphags are a bit better, not as fast but tougher and stronger.