This is so wrong it's not even funny. The kids /are/ broken on their own merits.
Try doing a substitute only run. You'll be amazed at how bad they can be at base. Even Hawk, probably one of the best substitute units, is nothing compared to Lewyn!Ced.
Scratch that: Lewyn!Arthur. Forseti on a goddamn horse and you have him since the 1st chapter of the 2nd generation. He doesn't start with a horse mind you, but it's very easy to get him to that point. Amid can't come close to that and he lacks a horse.
Also remember that you do have Finn, Shanan and Oifaye, all of whom may as well be 1st gen units (And Finn joins as you left him). And Hannibal.