Micromanaging armies and commanders

[Saxon]

I have been playing Citeas, the Bird Nation. They have lots of cheap archers and flying infantry. I end up slaughtering my infantry with archery every time. Any suggestions? Going without missile fire is not the option I am looking for, though when you get that storm spell that shuts down missile fire, it is a choice.

Also, I have been using attack rearmost all the time in an effort to take out the commanders. Every time I have witnessed the attack, they hit the rear of the charging ground forces. Given that the flyers are pretty light weight, especially when attacking non-ice dominions, I was really hoping that the attacks on the commanders would make up for their short life expectancy. Between not hitting the commanders and getting pelted with their own arrow fire, it is just not that interesting.

Has anyone got any suggestions?

I would also agree with some of the proposed changes previously listed in this thread, some more options for missile troops would be nice.