The problem is that the experience starting in a coast with barely forests and starting in an area sorroudnded by forests is really different. From one point of view, it's fine because it forces us, the players, to adapt to what the game throws us to the face. But starting on a coast with barely a few trees to spawn monsters is cakewalk, while starting sorrounded by forests becomes annoying quite soon.
Spiders are actually easy as they don't have much strength and their hit points aren't so big. Some versions of bandits can cause more damage and bears are the most troublemakers (now that hyperwolves are out). Spears for high damage and some leather are best. Champions are best if possible but not reliable each game (Janusk may be if you use him).
Dealing with loners as soon as it's possible is best as long as they are close. I had never lose my capital. Never. Until some ninja bandits stabbed me the other day while I had my main army a few tiles away. And if you give them time, they have no trouble creating raves. Some groups like those of the pic during the first turns (50 or so?) are not nice to deal with, specially if they are in different directions but all "close" to the city. Glad that the Faction AI is still so dumb that cannot take advantage of my troubles. 
