I always wondered when I press ctrl w (rout) does the unit take a moral hit compared to moving it to the same direction but without routing? Or is any other adverse effect sustained?

Also It would be great to know where the enemy reinforcement are going to go to field - or is it intentionaly random?

Other question: do my troops take a straight line towards my flag from the very edge of map or they march in a perpendicular path relative to "my" edge of the map?