Why would the game end? If you play on a medium-sized map, you can finish the game in 20+ days. It depends on how quickly the players develop. This game isn't about leveling up; it's about "taking out" the opponent.
By "end," I meant the end of the game. You can reach the opponent's castle in 10 days on a medium-sized map... or they can reach yours. Especially if you're not playing against the computer, but against another player!
And about the fact that everyone can be useful – I said it right away. You can try them all, and each one can turn out to be useful.