Regarding summoning: first, at the beginning, summoning is generally useless, as the summoned units simply clutter the slots and reduce the already small number of summoned units (if there are many slots, they will summon all units of that level in turn). As a result, in one week, you can summon about 7 fairies and wolves, maybe a little more, but usually less, while with Charm, you can gather that many squads in one day...
But tigers are still better:D Speed and strength are more important than weak ranged attacks:D
And regarding tigers, I disagree. Archers are needed anyway, and if you gather more of them and get an artifact that allows them to shoot without penalty, then the elves are very good at shooting. Both tigers and elves are good in their own way. It all depends on the tactics and preferences:rolleyes:
P.S. Sorry for the silence. I was in the hospital for a week:( :( :(
Added 14 minutes later
No, summoning (as a skill) is a good thing. You just need to learn how to use it... or rather, get used to it, and appreciate it. For example, Charm for Order is much worse, in my opinion. Nature has an additional chance to increase its army, why refuse it? It's clear that you need to develop it to its full potential. But at least the growth is continuous. And with Charm, you get something here, something there, but there is usually no room in the army for "weirdos." Their presence can even lower morale. But Nature summons its own. And replenishment is needed. Especially if you are playing against Death and Might.