I usually go for two. But I like to immediately recruit and buy a rogue. I'll only get a mage after 7 days. Of course, it's better to get a mage right away, but where's the variety then? And the simultaneous attack system actually reduces the variety of tactical options.
Let's analyze. My squad attacks. They destroy almost everyone (or everyone). The remaining enemies are insignificant, and their counterattack can kill at most one of my units.
Or. My squad attacks... But who attacks whom? The squad destroys almost everyone, but in the process, it is reduced by half, and there are 2-3 more such squads of the enemy approaching.
That's all the tactics. Slow down and bombard. Without maneuvering the infantry. Otherwise, it will start dying. On the highest difficulty, it's impossible to play without a mage due to the guards in unclear numbers. Thanks to the developers for nerfing the barbarians and the nomads, who used to attack effectively. And the harpies, who don't get a response.
Maybe I'm just not very good at playing Heroes 4, and I didn't understand it, but in any case, I will defend my point of view. And from my point of view, this ruined the game. Because I believe that it reduces the tactical possibilities of the game, rather than adding to them. The same goes for archers.
And "slow down and bombard" is by no means the only tactic. At least, healing and maneuvering in battle (say, blocking individual enemy squads) should be added to it. If you delve deeper, you can find many more options: breaking through with a "martyr," "flight," "cowardice," etc. Of course, it's comfortable to play with a powerful archer squad if the enemies can't counter it, but you can also break through with just infantry. Of course, having magic is almost essential, but no one is restricting you.

Барон "Vampires"
Отдай свои прошлые сны,
В сомненьях себя обрети,
В бешеном танце душа кружится!
Не думай, что будет потом,
Здесь и сейчас мы живем,
Стань хоть на миг сам собой, слышишь!