If the argument against them is regarding kill/death ratio then I son't see a problem. I admit that spears + flankers are going to kill more with less losses. Even when I'm using Halbs I still flank with my Cav in order to break the enemy quicker. It sounded to me that people were arguing that Halbs were usless for other then arrow catchers. I find them easier to use then spears especially when I'm using Arbs.