Is that it?

[onepiece]

I really don't care about losing units (except for the strategist medal) since I don't do no-loss games (maybe in KB 2 will I try it). The only problem with losing too many is the limited quantity of some and the cost of buying new ones (when you're beginning to play and are scarce on money)

I've said it many times but the reason for the later game being easier is 'cause of all the skills, spells, and items you get that make you win easily. There need to be more enemy heroes (and with better AI) so it becomes more of a challenge. And maybe some 2 vs 1 battles (2 enemies against you; mage is still gonna pummel them though)