When they had a phalanx, they could act both as a capable line unit with an added bonus of being impervious to charges (phalanx on) and general purpose swordsmen useful for filling the gaps or flanking/flank defense (phalanx off). Now, they do their first job worse. Worse than classical hoplites, whom they are supposed to replace. They are better in killing cavalry in melee, true, but any dedicated melee infantry can do this well enough.