1: i usually try to take him out early if he comes within bow shot, and i have been able to kill quite a few generals with massed catapult fire.

2: i usually keep him just behind the fromt line and use him to deliver a killing blow or to plug any gaps.

keep him closer to where the fighting is hardest, as he will help the valor of hard pressed units.

3:i think that comes under vice & virtues, and as such beyond our control in the game.