What do I do with Initiates?

[happygeek]

Just curious what you do with your low-level mages, such as Marignon Initiates. Mostly, I have them research, if I can afford it, I give them lanterns. I have no idea if this is effective or not. I find that they don't really do much on the battlefield, unboosted they cannot even cast Phoenix Power to let them cast real spells, and why should I spend something to boost them when I would rather boost my Witch Hunters (or better yet, my ancient and decrepit wizards)? They seem kind of expensive to be ferrying around troops. I don't know, what do you use these fellows for, what is their raison d'etre?

thank you!