3) Your opponent is a more or less experienced player (who has at least seen the skill wheel) - then it's just suicide!!! The Stronghold has a hero named Tilsek (or something like that, the one who specializes in Orcs). He can get a ballista at level 6 that attacks 3 times, ignoring defense - that's the end of everything, he can rush anyone he wants, and you won't be able to defend yourself very well, even in your own castle!
And you're talking about attacking in the first month:)