Orcs. Upgrade or alternative upgrade?

1. Trappers. Traps can help, and even a lot!

And what if it's against a magical race? Then spellcasters would be a good choice.

3. Orcish Warriors. I don't remember why anymore, I think it's because of the second attack.

Only if certain skills related to blood and a quick dash to the enemy camp are leveled up. Otherwise, Warmongers are more often chosen because of their taunt and retribution abilities.

5. I get them mixed up, I think it's Executioners. The red ones, basically. I don't remember why either. It seems to be because of the two attacks as well.

Red ones only if they are leveled up like the Orcish Warriors. Warlords are still preferable: they give +1 to initiative to nearby units and because of their command ability (which helps a lot against blindness and sleep). They can also attack 3 times.

6. Paoka. I love to eat them. This is better than waiting until the end of the battle to heal.

The only downside is that blood doesn't affect them.

7. Red-eyed. They wiped out half my army and I lost faith in them.

I agree. Strong control is needed for the Free People.