Are high elf rangers any good? they feel overpriced.

Topic. I've always wanted to like them, but even as Eltharion who buffs them pretty heavily they always seem very bland. On the walls against melee infantry (basically a perfect matchup) they are "ok" at best, and better than spearmen I'll concede. But in every other situation you're way better off with spearmen, who are also cheaper.

Rangers feel overpriced relative to what they bring to the battle lines. The phys res seems good but these days so many units have magic attacks it's a bit underwhelming. They also don't seem to get buffed that much by technology.

They're ok at flanking, and since you get them from the barracks that's handy (saves you building a stables for e.g.) but even then a hero on an eagle or whatever is more useful.

I really want to use an army of rangers, possibly with one of the -upkeep lords as some discount defence. What's the secret to getting the best out of them?