... trying to get a good start usually results in a terrible outcome when there are no more restarts available.
I've noticed the following: as a rule, the first distribution, if not excellent (in terms of troop arrival), is at least quite decent. But with restarts, the army's condition usually worsens - Ivore may not get any archers at all, and only a dozen centaurs may arrive instead of two dozen initially. Although after several restarts, a better outcome may occur - but only rarely after 1-2 restarts.
Справочник по НоММ-4 http://handbookhmm.ru/pamyatka-dlya-heroes-iv.html
Памятка по НоММ-3 http://handbookhmm.ru/pamyatka-dlya-homm-iii.html
и HotA http://handbookhmm.ru/vyishla-obnovlennaya-pamyatka-dlya-homm-iii-hota.html