Which level 1 creature is better?

To be honest, I never understood this logic: why is it necessary to capture Utopia as early as possible – in the second or third week, leaving 2/3 of your army there and often a significant part of your main force, in this case – the troglodytes.
After all, Lizardmen and Gnolls are one thing, never mind them, but 9 Minotaurs... Who can you rely on if an enemy visits you in the third week? :) Which, by the way, is not uncommon...