So I did eventually find a less expensive used codex on eBay and you are certainly right, as to how so many things have changed. The entire concept of power form pain has changed in such a way that they had to completely write many of the units in the codex. Totally blown away by the differences. So, that being said, I'd love some advice on beginning my collection. I essentially have two paths to start with, as those are my troop choices. I want to begin by starting with a small force of maybe 500 points and then building on that.
My initial urge is to try a wych cult. I've seen all the bad press out there, but as many fellow posters here can attest, once you get into higher point games, close combat becomes less of a sidenote and more of a deciding factor in games. Wyches are relatively inexpensive (dollars and points) and I love the models. If I can find an effective way to play them, all the better. Ideally raiders seem key to get a wych from point A to point B, but I've toyed with using webway portals. Unfortunately the portals have changed in this codex, so I may be stuck with transports. Anyone have any other thoughts?
My second thought was to start with kabalite warriors. They are more durable and have more firepower and I don't necessarily have to rely on transports.
The first list is my preference to start with, but if I'm leading myself down a path of failure, then I'll consider any other suggestions.
Succubus w/ agoniser (100)
Wyches x9 w/ x3 sets of hydra gauntlets + Hekatrix w/ agoniser (150)
Raider (55)
Wyches x8 w/ x2 Shardnet & Impaler + Hekatrix w/ agoniser (135)
Raider Dark Lance (60)
[500]