Wow, thanks MogulMogul...some more great ideas! I especially like the "quest" training idea. Hmm..i'll have to get that one down for sure.
I actually considered the "quick sim match" to results option for your fight for a day, but thought the combat was pretty neat and that no one would use it. Maybe I was wrong...
The coming Version 1.5 patch will allow you to adjust the season lengths to 20, 30 or 40 when you create a new league, so that is solved.
Sometimes old unsigned or auctioned off warriors are retained secretly, and on rare occasions do emerge again in the league, not liking you a whole lot naturally (they get a bonus when fighting against you). One reason not to treat them too badly while they're with you...
Weapons/armor: it's been explained why this isn't in there -> it would imbalance the game, especially using a random type system. You step into combat with plate armor and a huge halberd, and they step in with a short sword and leather armor. Gee, who's going to win?
The game was designed to match up warriors stats directly, not their equipment. It really wasn't intended to have a huge RPG slant.
Beast fighting: Lion matches will be added to the Version 2.0 patch, later on, where you'll have to deal with a lion as well as your opponent.
Thanks for all your cool ideas!