Tatics and Melee Commanders

[General Tacticus]

I like to use my melee commanders in the frontlines in the first turns, against weak indies, to try and snatch a good heroic ability (valor, bellow, quickness come to mind). But once I am facing the AI or tough indy, they go back to a safer battlefield position.

Some tactics to minimize risks :
1) put your army in front and sligthly to one side, and put your commander a little back and more to the side, on hold (one turn) and attack. He should arrive in the main battle once the enemy is already engaged, and on what will be the enemy's weaker flank.
2) with a mounted commander, give him a few (mounted) bodyguards, and let him lead an attack rearmost attack if the enemy has some weak missile troops (not Ulm crossbow !)

In any case, never risk a commander that way without knowing what you are facing.