Yes, this. Comparing apples and, um... peaches.
However, if truth be told, when I think of the Wall action in the book, there were separate attacks. If I'm playing critic here, what exactly was the point of the simultaneous attacks? If Mance is feeling out the NW with a couple giants, a mammoth, and a few scalers, why waste good men attacking from the South? Why start the fire and signal a coordinated attack, if you aren't willing to devote major resources?
I'll call that a small beef. In the end, his resources are sufficient enough that Hodor could plan the strategy.
Also, the no Stannis thing: I won't comment on a bloated tenth episode until I see it and can judge it for myself.