Fighting XP battles are kind of boring. The thrill in strat battles is when you start pushing the flags, or when your flags are being pushed and you're freaking out. There's a lot of thrills on both sides when 3/4 of the flags are taken then the defenders push back. Attackers are thinking, 'holy shit, we almost had it, lets try a little harder next time', and the defenders are thinking, 'ha ha, you bastards, you won't take us that easy! Timers are running out, bitches!"
XP battles lose that intensity. When you're told to pull back from the flags or take it easy, you kinda stop caring. Attackers get bored cuz they can't attack, and defenders get bored cuz they know they really aren't defending. It's like a playing pool against a shark who lets you win. Sucks for both of you.
I say pull your armies out and fight for real, just make sure rosters are even. Then pseudo boast on the forums when you win and pseudo bitch when you lose. People need an emotional investment.