[Soyweiser]

Isn't formoria a bit like LA Atlantis, most of the stuff is cap only(*)? The mages are better, a bit more expensive, but with more diverse magic. And with a good early game (which the cap only units provice) having 4 rp for 150 gold isn't that bad. You can always make the research boosters, both air and death ones are available easily.

And Air 1 with wadn random allows you to use some interesting thugs.

*: one little problem of course. Atlantis also as acces to the excellent underwater mages, giving them access to all paths but nature and blood.