Here, every single day counts, and even each move of every unit is extremely important, because on small maps, either you reach the center first, or your opponent does, and whoever gets there first wins. I won't consider the "Wing" strategy for now, as it's a more complex and hardcore option without archers.
And small maps imply that it's necessary to clear all possible useful objects in the nearby area and reach the zone with strong/very strong neutral creatures by the first week.
And we won't have enough wood to upgrade our Blades or any Ents.
This even raises the issue of whether the main hero should return to the base for a spell and to cast a counter-spell, because the journey to the castle can take about 3 days, which is extremely critical!
So, the problem I have is clearing mines, artifacts, and wood piles on days 2-4, when they are guarded by archers or furies. Often, I need to take down a horde of centaurs first.
In such games, a fort or a capitol is practically never built; all forces and resources are thrown into capturing strategically important objects as quickly as possible.
I'm not even talking about former allies; it's practically impossible for an elf to do anything against rushers, unless we get 3 elven heroes, and among them are Osiris and Wing :)))

[