I feel that most my games these days are determined by the first fight with the enemy. I play tower rook, primarily 3v3 on cataract, and I buy either banded armor + tele + combat health pot OR banded armor + scaled helm.  For my favor item, I usually get the Staff of Renewal, but sometimes blood of the fallen or rarely swift anklet.  When I use the staff of renewal, I find I lose the first fight more than if I had used blood of the fallen.  I usually throw up two towers on the edges of the map next to the flag as soon as I arrive, and slap the other demigod cautiously while not chasing them out of my farm.  I usually buy the vlemish faceguard as soon as I hit 1700 (I walk back to base for the extra 50 in income).  I always seem to be about a half a level behind some other players, so I was wondering what I should change in my opening to help me level quicker and hold my lane.  I feel that BotF makes me weaker in the late game, so I tend not to use it.

Any suggestions?