Did you use stats of companies in the book, or roll-you're-own?
Yes and no.
Some players used companies direct from the book.
I composed a couple of lists (e.g. Hassan's) using stats from the book but collecting them into a custom company. Thus e.g. Hassan's company is a compilation of Explorer and Tong lists.
Some players fine-tuned their troops using the build rules, but I don't think anyone has built their list totally from scratch so far. E.g. the cowboys soon ditched their overpriced horses when they figured out the nags can't swim.