i think, like the Berserkers in VI (or any other small and specialist unit like Naptha Throwers or Hashishin), they're a rewarding unit if you take the time and care not to get them slaughtered but instead allow them to slowly build up valour and get them off the field in one piece at the end, and upgrade/retrain them where possible. i like 'em a lot, although you've got to keep them away from those xyz*$£ jinetes...