Ok i'm now playing EB for some time, i've read some guides regarding troops but i still can't figure out totally the difference between different melee weapons. Yes i know weapons like axes have ap (whatever that stands for) which is good against armor, but what about the other weapons? Clubs? Swords? And especially spears. What are they good for? How should you not use them?

Why i am asking this? I'm playing a game right now with Koinon Hellenon VH/VH and my, until then dominating armies mainly consisting of good spearmen, awesome kretan archers and usually 2 cavalry units, are now getting butchered by the getai troops. I can't find any weakness in them. My archers are just able to take down some of their low armored troops, but their heavy armored and heavy equipped troops are so much better than mine.

Another thing is, how would position your troops before the first confrontation in a battle? My armies usually consist of elite troops, decent troops and some cheaper but faster troops for the flanks. I usually put my heavy armored slow heavy phalanx in the front with guard modus to absorb the power of the first seconds of the battle, so less armored troops are not immediately killed. Then i usually move the rest of my troops, plus cavalry to his flanks or behind the enemy and crush him. Usually succeeding. Are there any other ways? Especially different ideas how to use your troops? I have to add that i don't have to fear too much missile atacks due to my archers and since i'm greek i don't have a lot of good charging troops, thats why i usually let him charge.
I also use guard modus before the first encounter. In my experience it's kind of prolonging the fight, i take less casualties, but also of course give less casualties. So very useful to outmaneuver the enemy. Is this right?

I'm thankful for any answears :)