Tips for Beginner/Moderate Player and Factions?

Title. I’ve been playing this game on and off for like a couple or so years, and while I love this game, I’m not the best at it. I achieved my first ever short victory campaign a couple months ago with Skarbrand and that took me a long time LOL. I played a little bit of Ogre Kingdoms and Tomb Kings. I didn’t really succeed at both and often hit a wall, especially with the Druid people as the OK.

Anyways, it’s due for another replay of this game and I wanna try to get better. What are some good factions for intermediate/beginner players? I’m not “new” to the game, but I’m also not like a pro lol. I know some of yall are gonna say Cathay, and while I wouldn’t mind playing them, I’m not sure I like their aesthetic (despite some of their big units looking really cool). I want something with a good mix of range and melee units, since I didn’t really have that with Khorn and OK. I also don’t want a faction that’s too OP and makes the game a breeze.

Lastly, I’d love something general tips and things “not to do” or to do when in fights. I usually fight my battles up until a certain point and then I start auto-resolving unless it says I’ll lose the fight. I know I’m supposed to fight as many battles as I can, so I’m gonna try and do that no matter the outcome or unless it loss of casualties is so low that it doesn’t matter.

So yeah, any good battle tips and factions? Would love to hear any input.

Thanks!