Hello Sandor!
Good question with many answers, I guess.
First, I love the sets and the poses that Andy created. As I have shown (hopefully) you can take a figure and completely change the action by having him doing something differnet. So a sergeant in one pose can be made to point to an action, hold a box, hold a flag, pat someone on the shoulder, be opening a door and more.
Second, I hope to have a large Army in while they will be needed, to command the troops. Is it technically accurate ??, of course not, but the fun thing is that they are TOY soldiers and in my displays, I am going more for look, presentation, appeal and action rather than 100% accurate squads, companies, regiments and such composition. You know it, I know it (somewhat) but the folks who come and see the displays don't and their reaction is wonderful.
Third, is interest. If I had to just get one Flag Bearer, one Sergeant, one Officer and such, than the display would be small and not as attractive as seeing 150 French figures romping about the battle field. Yes, you can have many Standing / Firing and Kneeling / Ready but I wanted to have a lot of action occuring and many little stories going on. So I have ten Officers but they (symbolize) all ranks of command. IF ANDY made 10 - 15 different officer grades and differnet flags and such the need would be smaller ... but you got to go with what is available.
Fourth, I guess as a future investment?? Right now, I would rather sell my kindey than part with my AWI sets, but alas ... someday they might be needed to fund an important adventure. So when I spent $19 on a Flag Bearer (THEN) I can see a 5X figure today.
Sixth, it is FUN, FUN, FUN
I could go one but I hope you see the intention --- Larry