Great, constructive, well-argumented posts. Thank you all
I agree with the fact that most ranged are dead fast, due to magic and ranged units of mine.
If I replace TWO units, both Peasants and Archmages, I will lose 33% of my ranged, almost. And be left with 3 melee. Isn't there a better ranged that can replace Arch Mages instead? Something with enough to recruit. Don't care about the price!
Or should I keep the mages?