Hello, i play crpg for more than 1 year so i think i'll be able to give you some advices (which have certainly already given).
- First, you should not have an hybrid built if you don't have money : You'll have low wpf and 2, or more, weapons --> high upkeep and maximal chance to repair every round.
- If I were you, i would give up cavalry, it's not worth it, and the upkeep is very high.
- Take the byzantium banner or nord banner (or other clan which can make 5-1/5-0 score) or if you re motivated enough, join a clan, you have to know that many clans are not doing a selection and take everyone who come on ts and play at least 2 or 3h per week.
I guess all those tips have already been given. However, i think it's difficult to follow advices when you're insulted in the same post.
And in my opinion, the problem is not upkeeps, but the fact that you have (most of the time) a x1. So the third advice is certainly the most important one.
I also agree with some poeple when they say that the banner balance is a bit rude to bear for clanless/new poeple : I usually do 6/8k gold in 1 hour of game, which is a bit too much. So i guess that the guy who is never in my team because he has not my banner doesn't do more than 1 or 2k, or even have loss. (and i have 49k gears).
I have no solution to keep the banner balance without penalizing clanless players. The only solution for you is to take a clan's banner (many players do that, it's quite annoying for my clan cause it separates us and most of players who spoil our banner are not bad, so unbalancing is increased).
And for other poeple here : It's quite sad to see so many poeple trolling a new player who try to argument and who remain respectfull despite insults, but i'm pretty surprised to see some admin trolling him too. Even if he is wrong, as an admin you should not be that mean with a player.
Ps: Sorry if I did grammar mistakes.