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First and most important, where are you going with the list? What's the intended style? That will tell you why someone would take BT instead of Codex.
Up to now, the concept for the BT in epic has been the SM version of a horde. I would like to see that followed if it can work. In other words, fewer, larger formations with slightly lower quality troops (Neophytes) added in. Assuming you stick with that, it seems to me the BT should actually run a lot like a Black Legion army list, but with different specialty toys.
Because of that, I liked the Neophyte Bikes in earlier versions of the list. They provided a way to boost the size of formations aside from the basic Tac detachment. But if 40K has abandoned that idea, I don't suppose there's a lot we can do. I've never paid attention to the 40K BT rules. Are there other ways to use Neophytes? Could they be worked into the list in other places?
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Champion: I definitely would not make this mandatory.
Thawk Transporter: Is it needed for the style of list you intend? I think a "horde" army could easily get by without it and just use the Landing Craft. Use the Scions stats. There are obviously some controversies involved, but they were good enough to win the army list contest.
Thawk Variants: I'd use the Scions stats for them, too.
Neophytes: Right now I don't see much point in taking them. Even at 25 points, they don't seem worth it. I can only think of 1 definite use - extra slots for Razorbacks. I wouldn't even use them to fill out a Tactical formation for a cheap air assault because I'd rather have a Dreadnought than 2 Neophytes.
For other potential uses, I might use them to bulk up a formation for a Supreme Commander/BTS combo, i.e. as meat shields. I might also try a big formation of them for an assault, but the problem with that is they have to stay mounted to have a decent assault radius - with Neophytes as meat shields out front, it might not be completely suicidal to stay in the Rhinos but it still seems dicey to me.
Fast Attack: If you want to stick with the "larger formation" concept, several of the variant SM lists have made use of a "Fast Attack" upgrade which allows them to bulk up formations with Assault Marines or Bikes. This could fill a slot that Neophyte Bikes did in earlier versions.
Allies: I would cut the titans and air and see if the list can work without it.
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Neal
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