Quote Originally Posted by Tomi says
Hmm, then why not take the cheapest peasant general, and rout the unit your self to avoid the possible big dip in morale at the wrong time?

Can anyone tell us why that would not be a good idea?

Exactly what bonus does the generals presence bring, and what the range of influence is over the battlefield?
Think positionally. If you rout the general, you only have 15 units. How will you stop the enemy's 16th unit from flankiing you? The other factor is that the general has 6 hitpoints. He can turn the tide of a battle if he is used at the critical time. Also, the general's unit gets +2 morale, and you loose that advantage by routing his unit. And, his unit can cover the flank or back of a unit giving that unit a +2 morale boost. All of that is a lot to loose just to avoid the possibility that he might be killed. Live by the sword, die by the sword.