Vaishan, you're forgetting that the Mage's troops are pretty good. Is it bad to send a golem into the thick of the enemy, have it take damage, but also rain down spells, deal damage, and heal? And I'm saying that after going through traps, not much will be left of the poor da crushin' n' stampin' boyz.
In general, each race has some difficulties against any other. It's a rather vague topic.
Hmm, readiness... a steel golem with that would look interesting. On the other hand, have you ever seen a psychopathic mage leveling up readiness? Even Razazak doesn't do that...
However... it would be quite original! And the enemy definitely wouldn't expect it:)
In my first game with the Academy, I'll level up a character like that just for fun.