i agree with bobin main batle line on guardmode and they can last and last and last altough i must admit the diference beteween them and classical hoplites is the extra javelins wich come in handy when fighting against barbarians

my main batle formation normally consists of either rhodians or kretikoi (2 to 3 units) 4-6 trorokithai and 2-3 thuropoi for flanks and then ofc come the cavalry some exotic units (rhompaia rulles for flanking) and the general but the basis are always 10 to 12 units with cavalry archers/slingers and the bulk of infantry (the main reason why makedonia is no longer my favourite faction is their lack of thorokitai altough the agrarians and thracian units are very much apreciated)