Tactics for playing as the Sylvan faction.

Are you talking about the Elder Druids? No one picks them; they can’t cast spells properly.

They are weaker in the early stages, but not at the end. The power of Lightning and Stone Spikes pales in comparison to regular attacks, and Elder Druids shoot slightly better. Plus, the Channeling skill of the Arch Druids is not needed if the hero has enough mana, but it is useful for Elder Druids to increase their spell power. Yes, Elves are usually warriors. So what? Highest magic damage? On par with Orcs? The very same Orcs who have a bunch of debuffs and Blood Fury, which reduces magic damage? Are we talking about the same Orcs?
No one will attack Gargoyles with Lightning; no sane person will go into Chaos against a mage.
To block Elven archers, you need to find a place for the Crystal of Secrecy. But there won’t be one, because we are using the Tactics skill (or better yet, Wing, who has Tactics from the start). We place the Elves in a corner, with Ancients in front, and Druids on the side, who are tough and won’t be taken down easily.