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I think it's simpler than that. Personally, I divide any tier of creatures into subgroups (in this case, 2nd tier):
1) attackers - Sylvan and Dungeon elves, Inferno (2nd upgrade version);
2) tanks - Necromancers, Inferno (except for the 2nd upgrade version), Mages;
3) ranged units - Humans, Dwarves, and Orcs.
From these groups, you can try to choose leaders:
1) attackers - Furies, because they are mobile;
2) tanks - haven't played in a while, but let's say Ghouls;
3) ranged units - Dwarves, because they are heavily armored, which is important in the early stages of the game.
P.S.
By the way, a twisted idea came to mind: give the hero creatures (in our case) of the 2nd tier, both to the player and the opponent, and try to play a match. I think this would allow us to see a more or less realistic level of the player in battle. What do you think?