Quote Originally Posted by jadast View Post
I only buy units that I can not build. I like the flavor they add to my unit rosters. I use them the way Rome did. Mercs get nasty frontal assault jobs that would chew up my regulars. The high upkeep limits the number that I keep on hand at any time.
I generally do not use mercs, just do not like the feel of them in my carefully planned armies.
However as far as motivations for employing them go Jadast you raise a very good point.