About regular and alternative upgrades.

1. Assassin - because shooting with poison is good for taking out enemies. Plus, I don't really like using extra creature abilities, so I wouldn't use invisibility anyway. I just wouldn't find a use for it. 2. Megeras - definitely. I sacrifice initiative. And they look nicer in the picture:D 3. Minotaurs, which are from a regular upgrade. For me, it's more important to hit twice. Sometimes it really saves the day. 4. Regularly upgraded riders - the charge attack is a great thing. They are my favorite creatures, and I would never trade their ability for any other. 5. Hydras with regeneration - well, because regeneration is better)) 6. Shadow Lords - an extra ranged attacker is always needed. And again, I don't like special abilities. I only use them on griffons and on Jarls or Earls (I don't distinguish them. The ones with lightning, anyway), and otherwise I forget about them. 7. Red dragon, seems stronger. I haven't played missions with alternative upgrades in a long time, so I can't say for sure, but I think I took them... 7.