The most difficult alternative

VaDya, Ethereal, first, build the Equilibris, and you'll immediately feel the difference. Most of the issues with the Warlord, I think, will disappear right away because building a Life Altar is much easier than building a Portal. I've already written about the advantages of Phoenixes. Nagas will become even more powerful, and with their help, you can break through many things. VaDya, there's no difference between Ghosts and Dogs. Ghosts are slightly more effective (in a ratio of 1-3), but Dogs are cheaper to build. Knights are better than Crusaders. And Dragon Golems cannot be healed. By the way, you also need a University for them.