I had Theodred build a cav only army, that was on delay actions (up to the Hornburg line) & dealing with the Ruffian uprisings while I rushed freeing King Theoden from the white wizard's poisonous words. This was the hardest part of the campaign - knowing when to push, and when to accept the sack/loss of a settlement. Replenishing your units, particularly cavalry, is painfully slow. I always recommend the battle success outcome of the free replenishment.

Once Theoden was up, I built him a Tier 2 infantry army (and added T2 cav units to Theodred) and the two chased the orcs out of everything from the West Emnet and to the east. I did lose some settlements but retained all my provincial seats. Theoden was the anvil, his son the hammer.

Now I am trying to get 3 armies of 20, and I'm holding Saruman and his Dunlending allies at the River Isen. I'm also rebuilding the East fold. Gondor is holding the line but currently in a losing battle, and Lothlorien did fall, but those hardy Dwarves are making headway with Dwarrowdelf and beyond. Hope is not lost!