Yes, i agree that with Pendor starting characters are not going to have really fun as they insta die from even the lowly bandits, that's because they designed Pendor balance to roughly at the character mid-leveled (+/- level 12/15).
That was to correct a problem with native that is balanced for low level character, but that once you reach midlevel there's nothing anymore that can stop you. While in Pendor at that point of the game it's where your character is now able meet the challenge head on.
Though to keep you entertained when you're still low level at Pendor, i suggest instead of grinding endlessly training camp and waiting in castles to simply follow troops of the faction you wish to join (or better, follow the Noldor parties, as you will annoyingly need to have high enough positive relationship with them to win the game so better get started as soon as possible) and when they fight against somethig else, jump to their side.
You're probably going to lose your weak troops regularly but you may be able to get some good experience (much more than training camp would deliver) , and find some good loot with some luck.
Additionally, talking after battle with the lord you helped will give you some relationship points with him.
Always good for later when you'll be at the point you will be asking for a fief, as the higher relationship you have with the lords, the more chances they'll go your way (unless you have too many fiefs)
You're going to level up much quicker than grinding training camp like that, and with the loot you will be able to hire mercs in taverns, and usually mercs are much stronger than villagers you draft , even after leveled them a bit they will still be weaker than most mercs.
And from there the game will start changing as you'll be progressively able to fight battles on your own, and you'll actually have fun.