Tactics for Rampart.

Yeah... the slow speed is a real burden for Rampart.
As an alternative, focus on logistics for the hero; in battle, use tactics to create an excellent defensive barrier. And for quick strikes, there are dragons, pegasi, and unicorns; centaurs aren't slow either! -)
By the way, I think genies are quite mediocre fighters, despite their speed. Even with their ability to cast spells... (you never know exactly what they'll cast on allies and enemies))))
In my opinion, level 5 should be a combat unit! Durable and/or high damage - like dendroids! But that's just my opinion.

Well, then let's take Kirra and go for it! But all his bonuses will be overshadowed by gnomes and dendroids... That's what's frustrating! Otherwise, I like using elves and pegasi in Rampart, even though the latter die quickly. But they're good at blocking enemy archers! Another thing I like about Rampart is that many of its creatures suppress magic in various ways... Take a hero with resistance, and grab a couple of artifacts for resistance, and that's it! An opponent relying on magic will fail... And you can cast spells freely because you have all 5 levels of magic available (and that's another advantage of Rampart).
As for genies, I'll never agree... Yes, they might be weak as fighters, but that's not their function. I've already explained the tactics for using genies to maximum effect; I can repeat it. In short... Take genies and divide them into all available slots... Even if it's just 1 genie per slot! And that's it - you'll have 1-2-3-4 (depending on how many slots you divide them into) extra spells each round! Cast your 3 spells, and you'll have a ready-made, quick unit to counterattack with! Genies are versatile! (of course, I'm talking about master genies)