I played with them for a while -- I captured Carthage, and hey! presto! they had an army barracks sitting there, just waiting to pump out triarii. I must confess, though, that I miss the javelin-throwing and short-sword stabbing. But as a rock-like wall, they're great fun.

I find that I prefer more flexible, fast-moving troops, however.

And yes, there are rumors a'plenty that the Marisu reforms are being pushed back in the 1.2 patch.