Making leadership matter

[Squirrelloid]

Originally Posted by iRFNA

It'd make more sense to have higher leadership open up more options for advanced troop commands/placement rather than mysterious bonuses that are basically battle spells. Also, ye olde generals tended to not wade into battle. Of course, there's nothing stopping people from sending commanders in with their troops, or else thugs wouldn't exist.

Actually, Rome was the first power where the general wasn't in the thick of the fighting.

Alexander the Great notably had to make all his battle plans ahead of time, because come fighting he was in the thick of things riding with his Companions (heavy cavalry).

At least in the 'ancient era', commanders were expected to lead from the front to inspire the men. And even after Rome many militaries continued to adhere to that for quite a while.