Even though generals stacked with your Faction Ruler won’t gain stars in a battle (since he is in command), they can still gain valour, which should help them in later battles where they are in command. Here’s some shots of my Danish King (outnumbered 5-1) shredding some Swedish Vikings.
https://s132.photobucket.com/albums/...tMiles/Sweden/
It’s good to be King!