by Hermjard
Keep in mind, that a commander, who was routed before a battle, and therefor cannot take part, is eliminated, if "his" army is forced to retreat, because he behaves like units, which were routed before the battle.From a certain point of view, it would be consequent then, that a routed commander in an area, where diplomacy failed and the army must retreat, is also eliminated, because of the same reason.
And considering thematics, isn't it very appropriate, that diplomacy is achieved by single outstanding persons instead of armies? So, I cannot really follow the thought "heroes don't take part in simple matters like diplomacy". I say: From a thematic point of view, especially heroes take part in diplomacy.
And if such diplomacy fails and someone is angry, who will be the first one to be slaughtered? The diplomat maybe?...