Did they just collapse like a tree?!) And what's the point of maxing out defense the entire game if you're playing against demons? With their attack of 16 or even worse, 17?!
Added 2 minutes later
By the way, Paladins are also useful when storming a castle) If the hero is well-leveled or has teleport, then it's even better, although it's not bad even without that. Inquisitors and crossbowmen provide ranged support, Archangels and Griffons quickly bypass the walls, and the infantry and paladins, if they can't climb over the walls, can at least cover the ranged units...