First of all why should a hoplite be slaughtered just because he goes out of formation? IIRC Spartans sent out their younger and faster soldiers to charge enemy peltasts.

It is also a rather short ranged weapon, fragile and limited amount of ammo. Does modern day riot police gets slaughtered because people throw Molotovs at them? Plus no easy way of igniting them but having a torch with you too.

I think I'd prefer a spear instead


CBR