Macro & Micro, and how to balance them effectively, is the underlying key to success in AoM (most RTS games).
Most of us wish we had the skills to accomplish this feat, but it's what separates the "experts" from the rest of us.
"Way pointing" helps, using "hot keys" helps, using a "mod UI" which constantly shows units (villies) on resources helps, but practice helps most of all.
Balancing defensive requirements to protect your econ, versus microing your raiding or rushing units is difficult, those who do it well, usually win!
Watch a lot of recorded games of the better players; you can pick up many tips in them, pay close attention to when and where they place their units.
FAILURE is not an option, it comes bundled with the software.
The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work ?"
The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work ?"
The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost ?"
The graduate with an arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that ?"
Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.