[VedalkenBear]

I would like to point out a different strategy for Bandar Log. Namely, 1002: An Earth Odyssey.

This is more a mid-game strategy, but noting that Rishis can all Teleport, and ~25% of them can Enslave Mind while another ~25% of them can Charm, if you rush to Thaumaturgy-7, you can have whole armies of units not yours roaming around blissfully following your Rishis. It's another answer to diversification as well since you will be able to throw the 'commanderization' ritual (can't recall its name offhand) on the commanders that are Enslaved.

Also worth noting is that this gives you many useful spells along the way (Mind Burn, Soul Slay, I think Dispel is in Thaumaturgy?). This also 'plays nicely' with an E9 bless (though not N9) due to the fact that all your mages are sacred. You'll need a blesser, though, or (preferred if you simply have 9 bajillion Astral Pearls) Saint robes for them. About the only counterindication is that it delays getting Gandharvas.

For clamming, note that not only can the Yakshinis inherently make clams, but the Yakshas can inherently make Dwarven Hammers. Oh, and the lesser monkey mages are good for creating Communions with.