DISCUSSIONS on “Rules for online games in HoMM3 and formulas for calculating player rating.”

No, according to the current rules, it is not a valid reason. The only valid reason is a battle between heroes.

So, I didn't understand.
If red captures a city or mine belonging to blue, guarded by 1 gnoll, then this falls under "any battle between players." But it is not a battle between heroes.

2. Regarding the single road – it needs to be emphasized that it refers to a single road from the castle. Even if there is another road in the corner of the map, connecting one secondary location to another, restarting at the castle via a single road is possible.

3. Against restarting at the castle via off-road travel. I believe that this adds variety to the game on small maps.