Making non Magic national commanders more worthwhile

[Olm]

How do you raid with non stealthy units? You'd have to attack front provinces, which are heavily defended. Flying surely helps, but even then I can hunt the raiders down with a handfull of 10 Knight armies. If stealthy, you can just disappear. Even cloudtrapezing or teleporting doesn't get you. Only way for the opponent is seeking arrow, mind hunt and the like. Or guessing the next target. For me stealth is invaluable for raiding. The Lord Warden needs some more gems in equipment, but IMO then he is far superior as raider.
As an army support role the bane needs definitely more equipment, or he dies fast. So the Lord warden even closes the gap in that role.

Perhaps I am wrong with my forts, but I also build forts for protection and for income. And Baalz guide to MA Man says build lots of forts, I hold to that.
Btw: Lots of forts make raiding rather difficult for the opponent.

I always read endgame troops consist of summons and the like and no more regular troops. But what exactly is it, that troops consist of? I did not come to an endgame yet. What will replace my Knights? Or is it only chaff in the endgame, because Evo kills all troops too fast? Is it only chaff, mages, thugs and SC's?

Btw: Thanks for the advice. Though I am not convinced of the bane yet (probably need to see a coulpe in action used properly) theres plenty for me to think about.