Two questions

[doc_bean]

2) I love House Julii, but I'm not sure of just how to position my army. Right now, I've been trying to create a situation where I set some weak units in the middle of the formation, to use as bait. The enemy will take it, crash into the center to break the weak line, all while I swing the flanks around to hit there sides, like a bear trap.

Doesn't really work yet, as the enemy kinda just goes after whatever they want.

I use a tactic similar to yours and it usually works. Some stuff to try with army setup:

-put archers in a rather thin row in front of your troops to kill the advancing enemy
-put peltasts and other shorter range units behind the archers, after the archers retreat they should be able to get a volley off and then retreat to safety
-stretch out your heavy infantry, don't put a unit behind the main line 'just in case', put them all next to eachother
-stretch out the individual units a bit, i find the standard box a little too deep for most situations, the ideal depth (for me) is usually about four rows iirc
-get as many pilla vollages off as you can, for massive damage !
-don't use peasants or town militia unless you absolutely have to, rely on your legions, they're a great all round unit
-put cavalry on the flanks for flanking, this is what really wins you battles, 2 cavalry units are usually enough (certainly in the early game) since they are highly mobile

Some useful hints:

- the AI tends to go after generals, put them bhind your lines or at least be careful when using them
- the AI tends to put its own generals in harms way a little too much, target them for moral penalty
- with cavalry: charge and when the unit you attacked starts to put up a decent fight, try to withdraw and then charge again
- always try to have more cavalry then the enemy, always try to have more units then the enemy, that way you have the flanking advantage

[Death Match]

I know what to do in your kind of situation. First, as someone already mentioned, move your general up and down, as it draws the bait on the AI. Then, (I am guessing Infantry in middle and cavalry at sides) get your archers to FIRE-AT-WILL. As their general realises this, he will send more troops. He is ANGRY!! Take this chance and bring your archers forward to pour the hell on the main army. (Make sure your archers step out of protection). As the enemy general reaches his limit, he will charge towards your UNPROTECTED archers. Draw them back at the last moment and strike him with your general + many more cavalry. He will die before he has chance to rout. You will suffer 15~20 deaths in your archers, but HEY their general is DEAD!!! From now, you can do what you want but you know that.... ODDS ARE NOW IN YOUR FAVOR!!!!

[Death Match]

If my above tactic does not work, (it always works with me) make sure you have a STRONG middle infantry. Then, you can be assured that they will hold firm and engage in a length fight while you cavalry charge behind the enemy flanks and kill the enemy. It kills more and it is more effective. As it is quick, (cavalry are very quick at flanking attack) You have more army to focus on the enemy general who at times are overpowered and the toughest of units.