Casting first in defence + endgame spells

[K]

I think some people get really offended that the late game is dependent on magic, and I can't really sympathize.

If Rain of Stones kills your human mages, then you should have armored them.

If your armies get taken by Master Enslave, then you should have sent in high MR troops like thugs or SCs.

Basically, the endgame is a wild place. Mere force of arms is a losing tactic.