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(CyberShadow @ Jun. 25 2007,22:06)
QUOTE - the Tau list is pretty close to OK, but if anything it is too strong and I dont think that it needs up-gunning.
- the Fire Warriors seem to be fine, and the problem is that they dont present a good option compared to other formations in the list, either because of specialisation or points cost. Yes. And don't forget air (tigersharks currently) 
Restrict the number of auxiliaries to one per Fire Warrior Cadre.
May as well, though I note others have already said about 0-x restrictions in whatever form - if the Aux remain good picks it may as well be 1 per FW cadre
Decrease the number of human auxiliary units in the formation to 7+1, with the ungrade going to +4. This brings it in line with the other formation sizes. I am thinking costing it then at around 150 points.
Somewhat radical but why not drop the upgrade? Upgrades for a 'second tier' formation (especially one that I though was Tau focused with help) in a list so respledent with options is a little redundant. Make it 11+1 strong and cost it as that for its likely role - garrissons. Then you can do a direct comparison with FW to see how it is. One size, one price, lets be honest 1 1/2 roles (garrison and FF support). Easier to handle that way plus the small size/small cost/activation boost is slightly less of an issue.
We could, however, drop the basic Hammerhead chassis down to 25cm.
Could certainly try it, with the ranges its not much of a problem firepower wise, but it is a hit on the counter charge.
Personally, I think that one problem is that the Fire Warrior Cadre, even with Devilfish, only get 4x AT6+ as anti-tank firepower. They have some good anti-infantry firepower, but people generally focus more on an ability to take out enemy tanks, and the Fire Warrior Cadre just doesnt have this. Other formations such as Human Auxiliaries and Pathfinders have even less anti-tank firepower, but they are cheaper and less key formations.
I know cross list comparisons have problems, but heres a short comparison verses the 'bedrock' mech formation in the steel legion.
7 Chimera
12 Infantry
1 Command
1 Hydra
450 points
Firepower
7 x 30cm AP5+
7 x 30cm AP5+/AT6+
7 x 45cm AP5+/AT6+
2 x 45cm AP4+/AT5+/AA5+
Roughly 8 AP hits to 2 AP and 5 AT hits
Other benifits - commander, prob inspring and leader
Firewarrior mech
8 Infantry
2 Pathfinders
6 Devilfish
1 Skyray
475 points
2 x 15cm AP5+, Disrupt
6 x 15cm AP4+
16 x 30cm AP5+
2 x 30cm AP5+, Disrupt
1 x 30cm AP5+, Ignore Cover
2 x 60cm AA5+
8 x 75cm AT5+
Roughly 10 AP and 3 AT hits
Other benifits - Skimmers, infantry armour saves, markerlights, co-ordinated fire, couple of scouts, can all be fearless for +75 points
The firewarriors really are strong enough. More firepower, tougher, more manoverable, better AA defence (range and toughness of AA boat). If the targets 'lit' they have more AT firepower than the humans unless they are going all out (when doubling the Tau have the advantage reguardless). With the commissar the humans might win an assault - however remember here the armour save is dead usefull and the Tau will have a lot more saves than the humans as you can't use cover when attacking.
If this formation isn't being taken there is a real possibility of over powering issues with the list.
So how does it compare to say the tanks?
6 Ion's
1 Skyray
450 points
7 x 30cm AP5+, Ignore Cover
12 x 60cm AP4+/AT5+
8 x 75cm AT5+
2 x 60cm AA5+
Roughly 8 AP and 3 AT to 2 AP and 7 AT hits
Other benifits - All Skimmers (immune to CC), AT shots only and 4+ armour saves, markerlights, currently 10cm counter charge
The ions lack the numbers but have better firepower - at 15cm range the FW have the advantage AP wise but at all other ranges the tanks outgun them. Of course the FW have other advantages if they take pathfinders - the disrupt, the co-ord fire. But really nowt here makes me go back on my initial choice when playing Tau - Hammerheads, Crisis for SC and Pathfinders (for garrison options, activations, co-ord fire and markerlights). Cheap to buy, look better than infantry (in my opinion) and with better firepower and maxing out skimmer. The move reduction to 25cm is a small hit and makes me a bit more doubling around and worse in assaults, but nowt changes in my army selection.
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