re: Crackpot ASOIAF Theories SPOILERS

Well it would make sense that his most trusted advisors and companions come from those who stayed true to him even in the face of so much betrayal. Plus those storm lords that remained are really ALL stannis has left. His routing of the wildling army tends to make us forget just how few his numbers are..... The only things that allowed Stannis' forces to cut through the wildlings are the element of surprise, superior arms and army (particularly his heavy cavalry which is for all practical intents and purposes non-existent) and the discipline of his troops.

Stannis' army really stands no chance against a true westerosi army and that's part of the reason he is risking it all on a death march through a northern winter.