Army composition and Eagles

[legion11]

I have finished 4 missions in the Human campaign. I'm happy with most of my army (all gold victories so far, normal difficulty).

I've been using the Eagle for 2 missions and I haven't found it to be as effective as my other units. The Eagle can't kill enemy air units as effectively as I'd hoped. Archers have to do the bulk of the damage, the Eagle just chases down the routed/wounded air units. I've been thinking about replaceing my Eagle with a second Ranger.

The Eagle has a few features I like. I crosses rivers easily, it "stacks" on my other units in bottlenecks that stop me bringing my full force to bear, it is useful for chaseing down wounded air units. Because its a single monster it heals back to full strength with one camp action, like a hero (as opposed to other units where members can be killed). But despite all this I still think I'd find a second Ranger more useful (harrasment, segmented movement, invisibility).

Here is the current "core" of my army

3 Heros
1 Halbadier
2 Swordsmen
2 Feudal Knights
Yeomen Archer (forest specialist)
Yeomen Archer (hills specialist)
Crossbowman (slayer)
Ranger
Tamed Eagle (anti air)
---------------
13 units

My next mission, I think its called "Frieburgs Destiny" allows me 15 units. So I can add 2 more units to this roster (3 if I dump the Eagle). I have a large variety of reserve units and gold left over from previous missions so I can pick any replacements I want.

I was thinking of adding 1 Halbadier and 1 Crossbowmen to this roster, and possibly swaping the Eagle for a 2nd Ranger.

This would also give me 2 of each unit, allowing me to spilt my force into 2 balanced armies if I need to rush for the gold victory. The Mage hero would be the old man out but thats ok because he can cast spells across the map.

What do you think? Also do you think I am missing out on something important by not fielding any Light Cavalry, Light Infantry and Siege Weapons. Will I be able to chase down and finish off wounded air units effecively without an Eagle?

Tony