I'd like to formally request that Corvus Belli bring back the Santiago Boarding Shotgun model. The removal of a profile that has a model that's being sold as part of an existing boxed set is puzzling in a manner that suggests it's removal is an oversight. Just going from the previous profiles, I suspect that it would be 0/36, which would make it slightly less expensive than the KHD Santiago, but that could be "fixed" by adding Specialist operative, or Paramedic. So I'm not seeing any balance issues that needed to be addressed by the removal of a profile that already has a model. Also I've got mine painted. :)
The only balance issue I can think of is that CB didn't want that particular loadout available to every fireteam, but given that all of them can have either LSG or BG anyway... Adding it back would also make the Santiago box fully valid again, though I have no idea if they won't get a resculpt sometime soon.
Point is that mayby only reason why BSG Santiago was deleted was that CB didn't want to allow LSG/BSG in every MO link team. Problem is even now (without BSG Santiago) existence it can be done. It's really hard to justify any good background for Santiago BSG to be deleted.
I think the Teuton/Magister's Knight, but they can take the Heavy Rocket Launcher Order Sgt who also has an Assault pistol, which usually works out about the same odds, give or take a 3-5%.
Agree with the OP on this. It's very unusual for CB to remove a profile that has a model sculpted for it, especially when they're leaving that model in production!
Also have mine painted along the rest of the Santiago Knights in that 4 models box. Please give him a profile. ...if not, I'm planning to use it as KHD all the time since he's the best sculpt together with the Spitfire.
I'd expect the Santiago changes to be a pretty clear sign the box is going to be replaced. Consider, it is also a box of 4 models for a unit with a max AVA of 3 in the Sectorial. Do we have many/any other instances of boxes offering models in excess of the max AVA available?
Bolts are Total AVA in NCA, although anyone actually fielding 9 Bolts would certainly be a rarity. Now, for a unit with sculpt count exceeding AVA, look no further then Joan of Arc.
Joan1 has one really old sculpt (dating to ~2006 or 7), one LE, and one New (with Tactical Molester Umbra). Joan2 has one really old sculpt (dating to ~2009) and one new. Wouldn't exactly call those overdone, though LE Joan makes a pretty decent all-purpose proxy. Not like Sun1 v Sun2, where the armor is completely different.
