Even just for experimentation/playtesting?  Why be so rigid about it and not allow it to be tested?

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I'm OK in principle with testing FW's at FF4+. I'm not totally convinced its the way to go because they aren't really that bad in FF now, and it may completely modify the character of the list. FW would probably start being used as area denial troops ie. deploy in cover on overwatch, not sure it will make people use them more aggressivly.  

But, I am very much against changing Crisis suits to FF4+ MW. They shouldn't be any better in a FF than a Land Speeder. Giving them 4+ makes them an absolute beast in FF. I'm OK with giving them back MW FF as long as it stays at 5+.

I know it will be a new spacial rule but what about giving Firewarriors FF4+ if they initiate an Assault by semselfe and FF5+ if they are the defender in an Asault?

This would prevent them with FF4+ to be used in defensive roles.

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I don't see the point, and it's definately against the Tau method of warfare.

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Epic: Hive Development Thread

Huh? How?
I thought offiensive defence is the way of the Tau and passive defence (= holding terrain)is un-tauisch?

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I'd prefer Hena's suggestion.

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I think the Crisis suits could be tweaked, but would rather we took a small step with the FWs first.

Having played with it, I like this quite a bit:

FWs:
sv:5+ CC:6+ FF:4+
Pulse rifles: 30 cm, 1x AP4+

It was fair and certainly made the formation quite a bit more versatile in how it could be used.

Hena, my only concern with your stats is that by requiring the FWs to get within 15cm sets them up for getting in CC if they don't break/kill the enemy formation.  Which seems worse than a FF.  I would prefer they kept to a 30cm range with shooting.

CC:7+ just seems extreme to me... Tau Fire Warriors are worse than Grots?!  

just out of curiosity, why did FWs end up with 2xAP5 30cm shots? Why not 1xAP5 45cm disrupt shot or 1xAP4 45cm (disrupt or not)? A lot of comments have used the FWs short range as a weakness as it leaves them open to assault (which they're not too great at), so a fairly obvious solution (to an outsider like me) would be to simply increase the range. That way they have a bigger buffer before they're assaulted and stand more chance of using their not unreasonable FF5.

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But not assaulting is dull!

I know it was tried as a design concept but there needs to be some small element of engagement or it quickly becomes a 1D army with very limited appeal.

No-one's asking for dire avengers just a role for FWs and crisis suits.

I´m under the distinct impression that people are unwilling to match tactics and abilities with Tau.

So they are moderate in assaults? (And they don´t suck @ FF5+ Armour 5+ !!!)
But their shooting is some of the best on any Inf unit?

Go on overwatch and wait for the enemy to assault you, with no -1 to hit and no cover saves. The IG, Cultists and Orks will pile up in front of your position...

And while they are maneuvering to get shot up, MLing shouldn´t be too difficult as well.

Many armies are ready to assault-rush in T2, with Tau I´d hang back for T3, creating crossfires, OW traps, setting up for some nasty Coord Fire combos.

I think some of the patient hunters hereabouts are lacking patience!

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Not really.  If you consider 8 stands of Dark reapers:

DR: 300 pts
Have access to webway and aircraft to deploy.
Hit and run special rule
Option to upgrade 2 stands with Exarchs
sv 5+ FF 3+!
2 x AP 5+ 45 cm

FWs: 200 pts
Need transport to make them anywhere near mobile,
No hit and run
Option for an ethereal for 75 pts
Sv 5+, FF 5+
2 x AP 5+ 30 cm.