I used this guide on server 85 for the last week to get 12 honor medals. During this time I hit a crapload of valleys and once I got the last honor I had enough medals to jump to Earl and only need one more Wisdom for Marquis.

A couple things I am not sure if they have been mentioned in this thread and not going to read through but thought I'd share.

I only hit valleys with Cavalry if they were close.
Valleys with Cavalry AND Pikemen you have to add a Warrior in addition to Pike, Sword and Ballista to your layers. I only send 1 of each, not sure why 10 is necessary.

Mainly concentrated on valleys with no Cavalry and Archers, tried to find valleys with just Archers to keep the ponies moving but they are rare it seems.

No Cavalry or Archer Level 10 valleys: I start by sending 20k archers. Adjust up if I don't get all the resources. Adjust down if I think its too many Archers. Generally around 18k archers is just about right for most level 10 valleys.

Level 9 valleys I start with 15k Archers and do the same as above. 13k seems about right for these as well.

Anyhow, great guide just needs a couple tweaks to fit the valley you are hitting.