When you are facing phalanx, the only unit that can hold the line - appart from own phalanx - are Hoplites. Armour is not so important, it is shield and density that counts against phalanx. I would rather trust in Haploi to block enemy phalanx until assault troops can sneak around the flanks, than giving Thureophoroi the job.
Thureophoroi are fine as long they are not encountering phalanx head on or decent swordfighters. Use them like you would use Peltasts and expect them to preform much better than normal Peltasts do. I found them best when used together with Peltasts, axemen, Uazali, Galatians and the like - in particular when the enemy is trying to counter your flankers with cavalry.
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