trupheus every kd should start at 10 castles 100 land. Land can be filled the same as itnis now, but that way everyone has an even playing field, no 2 castle hump, and if someone gets the shaft then their castle loss odds go down from starting point.
Two sides, no switching.
This solves a lot of issues.
Dwarf having gate with shield bearers is lame. It shouldn't be instant, theres no magic involved. Army return time shoukd just be lowered based on % of shield bearer in returning army. Cut one hour for every 5% of shield bearers, or if its left as is, it should just cut return time in half. Sliding home on shields doesnt navigate time and space instantly.
Same with gnomes. They can launch troops homes with catapult, but cats themselves shouldnt get any buff in return time.
My 2 cents.