You really love statistics, so calculate what percentage of games in Heroes of Might and Magic 1 had players starting with a hero who then became (and remained) their main hero...

But at least the starting troops are native, right? :rolleyes: And you have to manage the start based on the specifics of a particular castle/faction. On its territory. With its own unique features. This fits the idea of the tournament - a FIGHT between factions/castles.
And in the case of mirror matches, you have to play with a different castle. And this is no longer a fight between factions. But a fight between players. First on one territory, then on another. This is exactly where the boundary of meaning lies.

... the rule "to main the starting hero" needs to be clarified in some way, in order to distinguish the main hero from the support heroes. And preferably at the program level. For example, in "Mad Races" there seemed to be a ban on leveling up anyone other than the starting hero above level 10.

I feel like there will be another "popular uprising". :D The rule still needs to be formulated and refined, and in the future, it looks both complex and contrived.