Yeah, for the most part you just have to work with the hand you're dealt, as far as available troops and items. Fatt_Shade mentions some good ways to increase init and there are a few others. I was lucky enough to get the Jade Belt (+1 init / +50% dmg to spiders) and a nice supply of Fire Spiders (6 init, 3 spd) after saving Faenora. This gave me a 7-init/3-spd unit in Darion which will go before anything but Archdemons, Emerald Dragons, and Black Dragons. Combined with Frog Faenora's +100% to the ATK of spiders and snakes, they made a great 1-2 punch with Royal Snakes. As a Paladin (and with two uses of Runic Stone) I was able to get to Onslaught for the +1 Init and now my Spiders act even before Black Dragons. (not that I can nuke them, but it still helps to be able to use a spell and/or spirit before they attack).
So I guess the other thing to help your chances, if you don't already, is to try to do every quest. Often completing a quest will cause the quest-giver to open a shop (or expand an existing shop) with new items and units for hire. So the more you do that, the more chances you get for an item or unit that will help tip the scales in your favor.
Good luck!
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