1. At level 1, there are no ranged units, meaning you have to sacrifice tigers for archers, and while tigers are okay, sacrificing own shooters feels wrong... so tigers are always out of the game.
2. Universal magic that doesn't provide a 100% effect (another example of "balance" from 4), which makes them hard to play...
Although there are pluses
1. The portal and summon provide a decent boost to the elemental army; I'm especially drawn to water elementals, they have really useful spells...
2. Again, universal magic.
3. The usefulness of level 1 creatures is maintained throughout the game, as wolves are quite strong even in the late game... and fairies having an attack without retaliation is also a plus.