Actually they are not akontistai, but Velites and Leves Sax.... sadly they are "sigh" much better than our ol' akontistai at melee, even against green peltastai, velites usually still wins the day, but 120 men still had a chance to defeat 100 men...

An the bang for the buck units... I suggest you to look at Hoplitai Haploi... they are cheap, and capable to hold out Argyraspidai from the front with guard mode... just made sure you have another troops, preferably cavalry to kill off these tough guys...