A simple suggestion, and probably already on the devs to do list:
I would like it if you could ask lords from your faction to accompany you, maybe even lords from other factions, if they like you enough, so you can "get help" from your faction.
I know this may overpower you too much, maybe limit it by your maximum party size?
Edit: Another request.
I would like to see a "enemy party sizes" option, so that you can choose the general size of parties on the stategic map.