Mobs summoned by generals = Minions
Mobs summoned through portals = Reinforcements
Also I think this just as just as it should be, It creates a ballance between upgrading your demigod in order to handle the other demigods while upgrading your reinforcements in order to take their base down.
Imo it sounds like, if you only had 2 items the whole time, that you played against two players who just havnt played too much or they would have eaten you as soon as you got out of base.
Usualy the pattern is to get 3-5 items (depending on demigod) and then start saving money for reinforcement upgrades. The exception being the 600gold +10 hp regen for your towers which should be bought as quickly as possible as your towers start taking damage.