an argument against GW's points-balance

a game such as 40k does not work if it is not balanced.

certain codices are... lacking... in that regard.  i have no idea how much each writer contributes to rules, but it's clear that certain rulesets have drifted from the system used to set points by GW's supposed leadership.  sadly, just about anything by Mat Ward is bound to create problems -- i know the hate is huge for him; that's not what this issue is, but the man's name is explicitly on the majority of the books that have done serious damage to the credibility of the game.

the best example of this is in a unit usually seen in a Space Marine army: the Terminator

there are three varieties of Terminator.  if the rules are balanced, the differences in them should be accounted for with differences in points.  if the points are drastically different for similar options, or if the prices are the same but one has more equipment etc, there are issues with the system of balance.

many people have argued, when i've pointed this pot in the past, that Grey Knight only have two kinds of Troops, and other significant limitations in options, therefore their terminators need to be cheaper in order to supply the same level of competitiveness to the table.  an interesting sentiment, but it's not appropriate nor is it standard -- Deathwing has been an army for years, and has gotten no such consideration.  now, with the new methods of detachments, this argument is relying on more of an arbitrary personal decision rather than a rules requirement.

that all being said....

let's compare three terminators.  Grey Knights, Deathwing, and Standard

all three have the same statline
all three have 2+5++ standard
all three have Relentless and Combat Squads

Standard are 200 points for five, equipped with 4 powerfists, a powersword, and 5 stormbolters.
they get Chapter Tactics and ATSKNF

Deathwing are 220 points for five, with the same armament
they get Deathwing Assault, Inner Circle (preferred enemy: chaos, and Fearless), Split Fire, and Vengeful Strike.  so more toys, for more points.

Grey Knights are 165 points  -- 35 points cheaper than standard, or 7 points cheaper per model.  they are equipped with force swords and storm bolters.  power swords are 10 points cheaper than power fists, but force weapons are an extra surcharge... the difference between a Daemon Hammer and a THunderhammer is 5 points for Force, so we can use that figure... a difference of 5 points per fist and -5 for the sergeant's sword, or 15 points cheaper.  in addition, they get three kinds of grenades.  also, they get the rules The Aegis, ATSKNF, Brotherhood of Psykers, Preferred Enemy (daemons), and Purity of Spirit.  in other words, they have easier dispel rolls, psychic powers, and are actually cheaper instead of more expensive.

Deathwing get some neat stuff.  but so do standard Terminators -- in the form of chapter tactics.  if the rules surrounding Deathwing Assault (one use only, but powerful... as opposed to something like the IH tactics giving a 6+ FNP all game... overall pretty even) is basically their Chapter Tactics, they pay 4 extra points per model for Fearless, Preferred Enemy, and split fire.  if they are underpriced, it's by a point, maybe two, and that's only if split fire is relied upon as part of a strategy (which as a non-dedicated-heavy unit, is unlikely).  in contrast, GK get Aegis and Purity of Spirit and Preferred Enemy as weaker but game-long Chapter Tactics, and receive their Psyker Level (an advantage more potent than a Chapter Tactic) for free.

then you have armament...

Deathwing uniquely get Plasmacannons, and split fire.  a bonus.  given that they are more expensive already, this could be considered factored into the cost.  they also get HFlamers (10), Assault Cannons (20), and CMLs (25 points), lightning claws if desired for free, or thunderhammers and Stormshields for +5.

Standard terminators have no options for the close combat models unless an assault terminator squad is taken.  other than that, all options above apply.

Grey Knights don't get any of those options.  instead they get psycannons (assault cannons with +1 S for the same points), Incinerators (HFlamers with +1S and Soul Blaze for the same points), or Psilencers (6-shot ranged force weapons).  the loss of CMLs is a disadvantage... but a ranged force weapon is a non-eternal-warrior killer.

GK also get to change their force sword for other weapons that nobody else gets.  warding staves, falchions, halberds, daemon hammers -- all for modest price increases, but certainly unique.

GK get more toys, stronger options, and pay the same price for them.  in effect, making a fully kitted-out squad even cheaper than their standard equivalent.


i call shenanigans.

i know there are many other units, and a long list of codex options for all armies that never get fielded because they just don't work for their points.  mutilators, warp talons, thousand sons, nephilim fighters, howling banshees... there are just too many to name.  in contrast, GK players were fuming over the loss of psybolts, but their terminators got even cheaper than they were, and they already got more toys for cheaper than anyone else.

we cannot argue that there is balance in 7th ed until all codexes are brought in line.  with detachments available, it's unfair to allow certain lists (that players have varying access to via the allies matrix) to receive special treatment and improper points balance.  all it does is create problems.