Post a (tough) Deity map for me to play

Backfilling food tiles (seafood i.e.) and using them for Rep scientists would probably be what i'd have done in your game, while teching towards Jumbocats.

Generals i usually all settle in my best city (nice that they also count as regular scientists with Rep), so both defenders and attackers start with more xp.
I think warlord defenders were used in deity AW, where you can use some extra strong ones very early, but even there i have my doubts..
they already used protective, and from my experience you can get away with just refilling regular CG3 bows as needed. Eventually they will also level up Drill as they survive battles.
I really like the settled generals more for their science boost and long term stacks.