When it comes to the optimal skill selection, there is no doubt about Dess's uniqueness. Indeed, these skills are relevant for any army. As for Moner, he has a specialization, if I'm not mistaken, in one of the creatures of the Conflux (like psychic elementals), which is not universal. And regarding the start, Moner's creatures have a speed of 7, and what about the others? In the later game, any hero (for example, Crag Hack, Tazar, or Gundula), who has learned Logistics, will move with the same troops just as well as Moner.