WiccI suppose it was better to build psyches+citadel+GM2 and behemoths in stronghold, at 121 upgrade psyches. 3 birds + 4 psyches vs 2 behemoths + 5 magics - same money, more power, especially vs golems (fighting vs throng golems without checking size was very risky).
On hota you dont want to many diffrent stacks to manage. Besides I didnt have a stronghold town week 1, so I think it was the right thing to build firebirds. Also having some fast units for later is very important.
After medusa fight, where I took some bad loses and only left with 2 birds having 1 and 2 hp left, I was a little shaken maybe. So yes it was risky fighting those golems after the loses I took but only 200 would give me heavy problems.
@Lizard: Recanters was key. Good luck with your bolt vs lots cyclops, lots wyvs and tactics, mass haste and slow.