The effective early NON-use of Pretenders in combat ....

[Nagot Gick Fel]

Originally posted by magnate:
Do you wait for a certain number of particular units?

Yep, for most races the early rush is carried on with HI. Some may use masses of LI/MI with shield and javelins instead (eg C'tis, Vanheim). Man uses longbows. Marignon uses crossbows or flagellants. Arco and Caelum use pachyderms mixed with elite infantry.

Do you use priests?

A level 3+ priest for Fanaticism or Sermon of Courage helps a lot.

The default strength for indies is 3, which is hard enough. What on earth do you do at strength 9, other than use an SC?

Same as above, just in greater numbers.