i think you really need range troops to support the melee troops. i think that extra range troops are always a plus dont not to over do it. you need the melee troops to stop flanking maneuvers na djust plain do damage. range troops are great for defending a border as long as they have a good solid stone wall between them and the enemy.

i usually leave one barracks with marks and one with knights and another with HC.

Thought on ranged units?? If you see me on the battle field expect them in high quantity.