Please don't use the whole Pistol + Grenades as an argument that they are cheaper. It is well established that these upgrades are result of codex creep.
Of course. However most of the other, older Codices doesn't have them or still have to pay for them. The whole point of this thread is it's Title and to justify any argument in here we have to compare the new 'dex to what the SM were in their previous incarnation. And Codex Creep is surely a factor to be considered in this Thread.
As for the others, yes, Assault squads got cheaper, but that was cause they were over priced to begin with. Most of the things that were brought down in cost were things that were not worth their points.
And Bikes, Scout Bikes, Scouts, Rhinos. I agree that they were overpriced and I also believe that the cost paid in DA/BA Codice is right... for 4th ed. 5th ed and the
Run rule changed all the point costs related to what is supposed to be considered 'Fast'.
Now as for the free heavy weapon argument. It is logistically more expensive to field tac squads than it was in 4th edition. Before you scream that they get free stuff, listen and think for a moment. Gone are the days of the 6 man las/plas squad. Gone are the days of any squad that numbers below 10 having a special weapon. There is little to no reason not to buy a 10 man squad now. This means that you have to invest fully into a tac squad to get the most out of it. This is the hidden cost that is now associated with Tac Squads. It completely balances out the free bes that are given. The cost of the ML/MM + Flamer are basically subsumed in the +1 point increase to a marine, the only real free thing is the veteran srgt. This and Combat Squading are the trade offs of not being able to vary the size of your squads.
Where did you hear me
scream, really? My comments have been rather mild in this thread so far.
So, most of your argument hold in that you have to pay more for more Marines. Big deal, you had too before. Except that you had to pay more for basic upgrades. Having bigger and/or more Combat Squads also work in favor of 5th ed, so the '
balancing out' you speak off isn't big deal if you ask me. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, as I am mine.
Also, the weapon upgrades included in the base cost of a Tac Marine are some of the more efficient weaponry in their kind in the actual edition, with the reign of Hordish armies and AP 1 goodness.
The options that were less than appealing in 4th have become the cheapest options in 5th, in order to get ppl to field them. The previously obvious options from 4th have had their costs increased (mildly)
Overall the Codex point cost ratios have not shifted to the cheaper side, nor the more expensive side. We just have different trade offs now.
Agreed, high power weaponry and some options got pricier (or at last didn't change), relinquishing high AV tank hunting to where it belongs: Devastators, Tanks and other goodies while CC power was shifted even more to the true CC units.
However, if one is satisfied over basic Tactical Squads' weaponry (add a fist or Sword or Meltagun) they are indeed cheaper.
A side Note: Of the four Space marine players at the LGC, one is playing Blood Angels, one Dark Angels, another Space Wolf and the last Salamanders. The three first aren't touched by that 5th 'dex (except to drool in spite over the SM one) and the Sally player rarely fell for the Laz/Plas cheese and ran full Tac squads most of the time: The new 'dex just gave him a good load of free points for just what he used to run...
StarkyP.S. I do not whine against Marines, I find them cool and more fluffy than ever, just trying to look at the new Codex without with a clear and realist mind.
Edited grammar and FAIL wording.