Maybe if you choose a general of the empire to lead your army, you get to choose a special strategy before battle (i.e. like building a trench for handgunners to shoot out of, or forcing the enemy to deploy all of his units before yours, etc), for added points cost, depending on how good the strategy is. I think that would be good, because it wouldn't beef him up, or add to his points cost, just give you a tactical advantage even though it takes up points!
I also think it would suit an empire general too, because the empire seems to have mainly average troops, and is supposed to rely on ingenious weapons and tactics to win the day. I guess Karl Franz could be allowed to use a rule like that as well, seeing as he is an empire general, only better.