Okay, I have definitly verified, that the Prot 0 Def High shield trick does not work. I've set it to 20 for fun and arrows still hurt hart.
I probably have to wait for "onebattlespell"
For the same reason, the assasin is counterable - through he sure is strong, especially once you have Alteration 3. ... But seeing the mind blasting Star child for 85 and the "4 Longdead and a sling" Empoisoner for 110, I think, that 200 gold should be fine.
That the Dai-Zerain is capital only is not so much of a problem, since your casters are recruitable anywhere and you can use the super-cheap "Astral step" spell to get him to the front line. ... Btw, does any of the other teleportation effects allow a stealthy teleporter to land hidden in an enemy province? That would be even cooler.