Sorry, for late reply here, I just returned from a short trip. Some advice follows.
1) You say you build up a big army and attack, yet then the enemy comes and killes you while your troops are enroute. It sounds like you need to have at least your major work groups of peons walled in.
2) You say you make 20 compies or 10 CA after a 14 min bronze w/20 peons and about 4 boats. 20 compies take a long time to produce and quite some time to walk towards the enemy. Perhaps you need a couple of ranges near the enemy so that 1)your initial compies begin shooting up the enemy sooner, and 2) you can quickly add reinforcements to the battle... off course you'd want a range at home for defensive purposes if needed. The problem w.walking 20 compies to the enemy is that he may actually be ironed by the time they get there ! It really helps to have your offensive building near the enemy when you have slow moving units.
3) As Hitt those 5 AP peon killers are nasty but once again 10 CA takes a while to amass.. I'd suggest if it looks like you are ahead of your enemy, sending even your first 3 after him... he may be just finished bronzing and defenceless. If you think he has defences wait til you have more, but waiting for 10 may be too long.
4) You may want to try bronzing w/22-24 peons and more fish boats if the economy is at all decent. You may lose a minute of bronze time but have a much stronger economy.
5) If doing a 14 flat bronze you may find that a quick camel or cav rush is the way to go since they can be made immediately... as always you need a quick scout to determine where your enemy is. whether he is building on you, and whether he is walled or not.
hope this helps some... neilkaz