around these parts, the old worlder and pact teams are considered downright broken

IMO, the problem is with the multiple big guys. Even without the big guys the coach can assemble a competitive roster. Slap 2-3 big guys on top, and you've got a disaster on your hand.
Furthermore, what I don't like about the big guy "slots" is that they don't involve much of a choice. Everything else with the team is a trade-off - 2 longbeards or 1 slayer, etc. There is a lot of thinking involved, and that is a very charming aspect of the teams.
Not so with the big guys - taking one doesn't cost you anything.
So here is what we've done:
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"Each big guy that a mixed team buys, costs the team access to one of it's other ally races."
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(We let the lustrians get the krox for "free" though)
Try designing some rosters with this rule - it really helps a lot.

Sure, you can still have a 3 big guy pact team, but then you're down to just 3 other allies. IMO, a lot more balanced, and leaves even more thinking/planning to the head coach.
Martin
