The more I think about Jain Zar, the more I like it. Disarming strike provides protection from the attacks I normally feed the Jester to.
And ya, the Drop Pod alpha is the most troublesome army for me to face. I love scouting bike armies, or long range shooting armies, but dudes that can drop all around me give me a headache. That's why I am trying out the guardians like you do. Between the bikes, guardians and hornets I can take up considerable room on the board. I think for my particular army, vs that it's all about choosing the right table side if possible and deploying smart for cover saves and denial of space. If you can survive the alpha, your counter charge can be detestating. Two quins can put out a fair number of attacks on the charge. Add to that five characters with damn good CC profiles (ok 4, the farseer lacks in attacks) and you can do a very impressive multicharge. I have gotten eldritch storm off on a Skyhammer and it's pretty funny, but. It terribly reliable.
Very excited to have Jeremey crush me a bunch. In all seriousness, if I can learn to survive that army fielded by a general of his skill, I can be fairly confident. At its worst, I have a cool lookin army that is very personal to me. My first GW purchase was the Regiment of Reknown Harlequins WAY back before I could legally drink.