[Aezeal]

no the idea is it makes cheaper recruit cost but later higher upkeep cost.. it also symbolizes the orcs following charismatic leaders that evolved from the ranks.. there is no penalty or bonus not to do it right away (you generally shoudl just do it right away) There should be improved stats, mages should get more magic, the leader more leadership etc.. not very much they start as minimal commanders and they just become about average commanders you'd normally recruit) BUT THEN THEY ALSO START ATTRACTING TROOPS which is the point

I think just clearing vanilla spells isn't very elegant.. AI would probably still cast the spells. And as I said.. most spells aren't very much a problem to have in the game. Summons are a bit of a problem, for best effect you'd probably best redo them all... but that is not for now IMHO