I am with you here Moonsinger. The new Dire Avengers, are something I want in my army as well. I have never used them. I personally think overall bladestorm is the way to go with them. Preferrably in a serpent. They can fleet as well, which is great as well. I really like the cc model best though, so have to have one. I also am thinking of having an Asurmen model converted for myself as well. I don't like the Asurmen model. His Helm is way too big, and he has a back banner, I dislike both of those.
I haven't got the codex in my hands yet though. And getting 3 avenger squads, and have someone paint them for me, is going to cost some serious money. So it will probably be a while before I can actually field the legit models in my army. I will dream, until then, lol. Anyway good luck.