Quote Originally Posted by Watchman View Post
They're quite cheap and fairly fast moving, have decent stamina, close ranks and enough "mass" not to get easily pushed out of formation ? I should think there were uses for such, say as flank guards or accompanying skirmishers so they don't get run over by cavalry...
Light gear also means they perform better in forest than heavier hoplites.
Thureophoroi are better at that job: same attack, more armour and IIRC a lower forest penalty and better stamina (at least, according to the old recruitment viewer). Not to mention a precursor weapon to use against missile cavalry. The only thing the Iphikrateans have going for them is a higher mass: there is almost no price difference.