I completeley agree with Hoom.
I don't try to position my units exactly where I want them during deployment, you just can't do it. I place them in the right area and then reposition them after the deployment phase as they go just where you want them then.
And Soulflame, I use that tactic too sometimes. Bang a couple of worthless units near the gate to hold up the attackers just long enough for the flaming cats to do some serious damage. Then charge in from the sides with some shock troops to hopefully start a rout.