Advantages and disadvantages of Elven heroes. Discussion of their biographies and abilities.

That's right. I completed 4 maps with her on Hero difficulty – it's tough, but if you don't get crushed at the beginning, you can get going! Unicorns will help!:)

Well, firstly, you also need to upgrade the tent. This requires at least 2 levels (Fundamentals of Machines plus Tent), ideally. In reality, to upgrade the tent, you need more levels, as she is not a hero focused on machines.
Secondly, I can't imagine how one horse can help at the beginning on Hero difficulty? Block someone? Unlikely, because 57 hit points are nothing. On Warrior or Veteran difficulty, it might give an advantage. Hide archers? That's also only possible later (before getting the tent).

In the Tribes of the East, Ilfina is definitely more interesting if you develop her light magic; then, the unicorns (light ones) will receive the Light spell on themselves at an expert level (as a result of the Child of Light skill).