Not really, but I think that's mainly thanks to Killer Hackers. Depending on the faction, your opponent is more likely to have an infiltrating KHD these days. At the same time, it's a lot easier to deal with any AHDs or HDs you encounter, thanks to having KHDs of our own. Also, pretty much all of Haqq's high ARM HI profiles are equipped exclusively with long range weapons, meaning they're not as likely to be taking a stroll up the field. Most (i.e.- Ahl Fassed and Azra'Il), clearly fall into a mobile fire base role.
No, I think you've got that backwards, they're less of a liability thanks to the addition of KHDs, especially the infiltrating variety. In many cases, opponents now take Killer Hackers in lieu of Assault and Standard Hackers that can actually threaten HI. Also, they themselves provide a good solution to enemy hackers/repeaters that could threaten your high arm HI. For instance, it's not really worth maneuvering a AHD, HD, or Repeater into range of a backfield Ahl Fassed when there's a KHD Barid close by. Obviously, HI are always going to be a bit of a liability, but relative to their pre-N3 status, I barely notice it unless it's a HI profile that wants to move upfield. Consider that back then HMGs were +3 at much closer range bands (meaning you would often want to walk them up the table), and all types of enemy hackers were not only threats themselves but acted as repeaters for the rest of your opponent's hackers.
Yes, I know they may not be, but I'm biased and I couldn't live with myself if I didn't say the Odalisques were the best. With that out of the way, the humble Al Hawa Hacker has won me more games (and successfully claimed the Sabotage Classified Objective every time I get that card) than any other unit I have used.
Odalisques are really good. NWI on a solid light infantry statline for that cost is no slouch. I always take them in a Haris, it's a fantastic roadblock for enemy troops in CQB.
I will say the Hassassin Ayyar is my favorite troop as a Blend of Fluff, Rules, and Looks in the game. Cheap enough in points to not be super elite, but very optimized. One can definitely see how Surprise Shot Level 2 leads to a surgical, precise, but also spectacular operation. The edgy skull mask with a hood and poncho is a bit over the top, but fantastic in my opinion. The Shock Marksman Rifle is the standout profile of the three available, but by a small margin as it's otherwise one of the very few HI snipers in the game, or having a D.E.P. and E/Mitter for uneven trades against even more elite units. Armor three and Holo Level 2 can be surprisingly hard to put down, but not impossible. It never actually feels OP as it doesn't have MSV2, SSL2 is countered hard by link teams, and needs support from the team to take care of heavier targets and is vulnerable to CC. My "baby." He's helped win more games than not. Ghazi Muttawi'ah sure are in their own category, but they're hardly counted as troops, being closer to warbands. And thankfully are limited to four. My vote for Best Troop is the Hafza, its mind games are less limited than the Ayyar, and finds itself sneaking into my lists more often than not. And the Hafza makes for a great boss, guard, objective stealer, or decoy. BS 12 and ARM 2 can be surprisingly high performing as well. That 1 point difference to a Ghulam has saved me on several occasions. Close second is Naffatun, they look cool and got flamethrowers which everyone is jealous of.
