Regarding the messy animation transfer you experience, I can explain that to you.
The Bandit Spearthrower (or normal Bandit) have a inverted bone name, which means the 'Left' bone is suppose to be the 'Right' bone (example : Bone_Leg1_R is actually Bone_Leg1_L).
You have to rename all the bones in the Bandit model's arms and legs before you transfer any animation from it to MY model. However, you should have notice TWO things;
1) the Bandit is Right-Handed while the Footman is Left-Handed.
2) If you compare the bones of both models, each have one 'Hand Bone' missing opposite each other.