1. Scouts cannot yield...therefore, scouting RSS plots is free of risk...therefore, you need send only 1 scout to check enemy troop levels in RSS plots. (At some point, the game should include the ability to send scouts along with forces for yielding to prevent this.)
2. As you grow larger, the basic game configuration makes lower level scouts a basis for fodder only. In this case 2 million level 1 scouts will get their azzes kicked by a few thousand level 5/6/7 scouts. So, unlike level 1 fighting troops, it becomes counter productive to use lower level scouts.
3. Two basic things affect scouting...1. The time to scout a player, then change gear to fight that player means you cannot scout active players who are dropping their shield to attack...meaning no sneak scouting with time to change gear to fight mainline troops 2. Since shields are so easily deployed, scouts only become necessary to check for traps and, as mentioned in item 1, for RSS plots.
Hint: Scout from distance (they cannot see) and move close to attack...you'll get points for scout attack and if they are not watching, give you time to change into battle gear, move and stomp a mud-hole in their azzes! Also, if attacking, it is well worth it to start a march, then send faster scouts to make sure some azzhat with 1 trillion power and a Repute has not reinforced your target!
4. Scouts are the easiest points for battles...win or lose. ALWAYS upgrade scouts to highest level possible...the points are awesome! And, the Scout Tree is the easiest to complete...
PSST...don't forget to create Scout Hero Set, get best Scout Gear, earn Wendla-of-Shadow, and best gear for Shaman Scouting
PSST2...For Training, you'll have to choose between Inga, for greater number of warriors in training...or Wendla, for reduced cost of Scout Training (I opt for Inga)
My assumptions are not sacrosanct...therefore, please feel free to correct anything in error.