Which Haven heroes do you prefer?

I wouldn't say this is a foolproof tactic. First, you won't gather many archers this way. Second, it costs money. Third, your assembled group of archers won't stand against Master Archers, who can also be strengthened. Fourth, you might get blinded; what will you do then? And I won't even mention how Titans will deal with your archers.
I like Axel; Paladins are powerful! In my opinion, he's one of the two most effective warriors in Heaven. The other is the Heavy Infantry. I didn't immediately decide between Laslo and Axel.

Regarding "Blinding" (and Dark Magic in general), I completely agree with you; it's very important who goes when (your hero, the enemy hero, the crossbowmen). You're also absolutely right about the money; such an upgrade simply RUINS the entire economy (a lot depends on whether you have Elaine as your hero). And of course, like everyone who plays as Humans, I simply adore Paladins (the Evil Swamp Dwellers just make me happy:smile14:).
You're wrong on two points:
1) If you don't waste peasants in battles (their combat ability is close to zero), you can gather a decent group. And if you have external settlements, you'll have even more peasants.
2) You underestimate the crossbowmen... you really underestimate them. If they are led by a strong hero, and in addition, Dugald, plus a considerable number:D :D :D, believe me, we've tested it with friends many times. Master Archers, Titans (there were more problems with Master Archers, as they were led by a specialist in archers), and Liches with skeletons were all blown to pieces.
I didn't understand one thing in your message: what did you like so much about the Heavy Infantry???? Okay, they are not very vulnerable to archers, they protect their own, and they fight decently in melee, but their speed and initiative are terrible, and they are not very good in melee combat either. They are only good for one thing - protecting archers, and that's why you take Laslo... I don't understand:confused: