It might be interesting if, perhaps at higher levels maybe, one could train or otherwise adjust how the idler solver chooses groups. For instance, choose to prioritize colours in a certain order, or the smallest/largest available group of orbs. Another option might be position on the board; closest to the top/bottom/left/right. Or perhaps, target first the colour of the critter closest to the cube, or with the largest/smallest multiplier, or with a multiplier less than x. (The last option is not quite so vital anymore now that armor has been done away with.)
The shields will sustain them even if they have no HP. We're working on how to better message this to players, suggestions welcome!