I must say, I find the strategic map a real blessing. It actually allows me to plan out for war. It is so unspeakably useful that it deserves a meme in 4chan.
For example - I had my lords spread out to cover a larger section of the front from enemy raids. Then, i saw a message that Reindiar castle is besieged. Upon arrival I found an entire swadian host, way beyond my abilities, so after beating 2 lords, I immediately ordered my vassals to come to my aid. I separated a large swap (3-4 lords) from the swadian host, and just as we lost the castle from sight, my own lords arrived from 3 different sides, catching the enemy in a pincer movement. Needless to say, we won and then finished off the entire host in just one day.