I think your getting Strafing run and Hover strike confused. They are 2 separate abilities. Did they FAQ strafing run? I dont see anywhere where it says you need to be in Hover mode in order to use strafing run.
No, what I was confused about is that I didn't realize the nephilim had straffing run separate from hover strike (it's the darktalon that has hover strike), sorry.
That does make it a bit better, but still no where near worth 180 pts. Str6 (or higher) shots are too easy to come by against ground targets, and they won't do much against the Flyers you really need to kill (vendettas, helldrakes, maybe Stormravens). I think Blacksword missiles really needed to be Str 7 , I almost feel like they made them str 6 and and 36" out of some misplaced need for variety in statlines (making them seperate from missile pods, autocannons, flakk missiles, etc). I think if they had two lascannons instead of 1 twinlinked cannon that might also do it.
Even then, a vendetta would be laughing at it pretty hard. As it is, it's having trouble breathing.
no sweat on the mix of rules, i wanted to make sure i didnt miss an FAq or something.
Im still looking at this flyer as anti infantry, not really comparing it to other flyers. Vendetta and stormravens firing at infantry can only kill 4 models (twin las, twin melta, 2 missile), how I see most people set it up. Now these have the freedom of really doing damage to vehicles if it likes.
Neph fighter, can kill 10 models max. Not really effective against flyers like vendettas or stormravens. Maybe a few glancing hits. But while firing at ground targets hitting on 2's. (also when used in combinations with other dark angels shooting) 7 of the neph shots will be able to instant kill, palis or wraiths, or other toughness 4 multi wound models.
As for the helldrake, as i mentioned above. With the new turret baleflamer, it will probably be on the board full time. Flying rules, dictates sooner or later you can get rare armor shots on it.
I guess cause i play dark eldar i see the flyer differently. When i run a razor wing i run 4 str 7 missiles, splinter cannon and 2 disintegration cannons. full anti infantry, sometimes ill shoot the missiles at a tank, but then my other weapons are wasted. But it can never hurt a flyer or a vendetta or stormraven, and only a helldrake from the back. And time and time again it still performs well during games.
Perhaps the price is high, 2 twin linked las would of been awesome. Believe me though after i play test, if it sucks, i'll be the first to admit my opinion of it was wrong.
I am only throwing out suggestions of opinion mate, not saying anyone is wrong or right. I just think its worth trying out. Based on the amount of shots, Str, BS, and combos with other Dark angels goodies.
NOW 54 point Deathwing Knights with 2 wounds? I was hoping to see multi wound Termies. comments?
