Strang battle mechanics affecting the Co-op queue and my fights!

I've noticed using a small group of weaker troops instead of a larger group with stronger troops makes me win the fight.  

I've been using my 2 level 8 HI and every time, I come out with a loss, doesn't matter if my troops got equipment on or not and even on normal difficulty, I'm having a hard time winning, the enemy troops seem superior in number and seem to be able to take more damage overall, plus flanking apparently doesn't help.  

How is that? I thought there would be some reason in acquiring stronger units(HI etc). Now I'm sticking to just using Greenfangs and Slashers, they somehow mysteriously get the job done for me.   

Another thing I've noticed is the affect the new battle mechanics have had on the Co-op queue. There is less activity and people are starting using the same methods as in a PvP fight. Players are asking for specific troop combinations(often cavalry is in demand). I don't like that one bit!

I've also had the pleasure of running into a couple of players that just recently started playing the game and their troop composition and weaker levels makes it impossible to win a Co-op fight. I/we simply can't win when the new player is in possession of 2 low level archers and about 3 LI.(Wasn't an issue on Olympus!) I solved this by not doing anymore Co-op battles, yes I got pissed off!(My gear got ruined and the 10 min heal time didn't do wonders either)

What I'm trying to say is that, I'm a bit concerned, when it comes to the new players. If they find it hard getting Co-op partners to help them out because they don't have cavalry or the right units, this will result in players leaving the game! This has to solved somehow, the game has lost a lot of its charm because of the newly implemented battle mechanics.    

I think a nerf to AI could help.