Troop experience. Is it necessary or not?

Vik, that's not a slip of the tongue, but an expected behavior pattern.
Regarding experience, of course, Sod needs it! Sod isn't Sod without experience. It's a necessity. He can't do without it. And any sensible Sod player understands this. To complete the picture, you need to remove the morale from the neutral creatures so that they can demonstrate mega-dad-level skill in conducting battles. And then it will be OK.