[EB] Any help for beating skullhead?

[Paltmull]

Against other phalangites, you would require more ranks, less frontage, and guard off, to push.

Then we agree on that one :)

Guard mode sword vs guard mode pike is a problem. Your flanks will be destroyed and you will lose the game if you don't use your pikes offensively. [...]

Really? Isn't the entire point of hammer-anvil tactics to have the center hold the major part of the enemy forces, while attacking them on the flanks and from behind? Because then you can simply save a lot of money by using cheap levy phalangites - the enemy won't break through them anyway - and then spend much more on strong flanking troops; which will result in the enemy's flanks being destroyed. Your phalangites don't really have to do anything, other than holding the enemy, as long as your flanks are strong, 'aight?