There’s no need to confuse concepts. Level 1 scouts have corresponding damage output. Significant losses can only be inflicted by a leveled-up mage, who might even be chosen as the main hero after the change is implemented.
No one plays GM4 because of a lack of time; it's due to its resource intensity. Usually, resources are exchanged for money.
By the way, I just noticed that our experienced player Captain had a game against a Chinese player playing Pyre a couple of days ago, using Solmyr. Let him tell you how he warmed him up with chain lightning and lost. The saves are attached in the neighboring thread. Something tells me that after being attacked, he didn't even have time to react. Or am I wrong? Pyre was twice as strong as Solmyr in terms of total stats, which confirms my words.