Dobbsy wrote:
The idea was based around the numbers you would be allowed to field. 550 means you only get 1 pair from a 1/3 allotment. It stops the over-use syndrome of the 2-3 x singles but still lets you field 2 Warhounds, however, you lose the bonus activation of the singles. You're also still paying the same as 2 singles so you lose no points in effect (other than the "formation= cheaper" design). You'd still get Thunderbolts but at 175 they'd be reduced too.
Almost noone takes pairs now. At 550 they're not worth taking. The reason single warhounds are taken is because they're a powerful yet cheap activation. A 500 point formation is not cheap, a 550 point one even less.
Dobbsy wrote:
0-1 doesn't actually solve the issue either way, as you would most likely just see people take 0-1 and a pair if they're that good and you'd still get thunderbolts (even at 175) and Thunderhawks, so the issue of less Marines is still there. 0-1 total means it does not scale at larger levels, whereas 550 a pair means you can take as many pairs as you're allowed at 3000+.
Since when has the problem been people filling their 1/3 with warhounds? The problem is people taking 2 single warhounds in almost every list.
Dobbsy wrote:
Pairs only at 500 means 2xpairs allowed - again less Marines, more allies.
I doubt anyone has ever taken 2 sets of warhound pairs at 3000 points. It's not a good choice, especially as it means no thunderbolts.
Individual warhounds are awesome because they're a cheap activation, pairs aren't.