I think pets austensibly do better dps, but they don't do it in the mad rush of stuns and DD that the 'assassin' spec does.

I've honestly not yet figured out the best way to use generals' minions.  I mean, high level ones can make a good contribution to a war effort, especially if you don't just have them following you around at random.  But I've honestly not tried that much to see if it's really effective.

Well, I go mid way with assassin and general styles. Basicly, assassin with idol minions. Mooks really help your DPS and survivability, but it's a pretty big investment that only really pays off mid-to-late game, when you can get the level 4 minions, and can leave you fairly weak early off--the time where Erebus already has it hardest. Basicly, playing like an assassin will get you out the gate faster, but playing like a general or a hybrid will finish stronger. It's not always the case, but that's what I've found.

Right now, assassin build provides better midgame and early game damage, and so it is hard to justify using anything else when you gain such a strong advantage from it. Erebus is made of paper, but can be super mean with his fast attacks and powerful skills. His nightwalkers, when maxed out late game are really deadly. I have found that I only care for using minions with the strong minion generals (QoT and Sedna). I had a round yesterday that was amazing as a QoT minion build. Four shamblers, plus Mino Kings, Monks and Cannons is a mean as hec force. With sheild you can add your own ranged attacks to it.

If you are going to try for the weaker minion builds (Oak minions, or Erebus minions), go with items that really boost them, and use them as your main arm of attack. Dont try to rambo in there and take on someone..even if it is tempting. Let your minions take them on a bit, and deal some damage, and then swoop in for the kill with a bite.

It is not that Erebus and Oaks minions are bad by any means..just not equal in damage to their assassin builds. The oak is such a tank, its ridiculous. I love him and his mean attacks. His spirits are nasty, but just not as good as a full penetince and then shield.

I max out bite, stun, and batswarm, but also take idols. They're worth the investment at level 4, great addition to his survivability and damage.

Carstein has it about right here.   I do very well with Erebus as a General build... however I either go all general or all Assn with him.  You really shouldn't go into a game predetermined on what build you want.  This game may have RPG elements but it is not something that should be set in stone before you start.  When the game starts you should ask yourself some general questions as well as your teammates.

For me some of these are:

Does the opponent have strong AOE DG's?

What DG's are on their team? On Mine?

Do I need to be an effective pusher? Or Smiter?

Besides enemy AOE, specifically is their Reg a good Reg? Does he use mines etc etc....

...the list goes on but these are just a few of the questions I ask myself. ^  

An assn Erebus is not an effective pusher till late game.  My General Erebus is an effective pusher the entire game.

One final note: I often play with some, and they ask me what I spec my minion Erebus with that makes him so effective? It's simple for me really; I don't grab all the Erebus skills that people think are needed. My minion build has Mist, Coven, ICA, Morale and lvl 2 bite.. thats it.  Swarm and stun are not needed and must be sacrificed to effectively make your minions competetive. This is only my opinion of course... and things do change game to game.

Just try not to follow a specific build from lvl 1 - 20... because depending on your opponent you might want a stronger bite this lvl vice a stronger minion count, or vice versa. Sorry for the winded post but I'm on break @ work and just pretty much jotted this down as I thought it.