Ahh the humble Whirlwind, so subtle, so maligned
Sometimes it isn't what a weapon can do that represents its true value over what it might do. The Whirlwind falls into this category, as does the Ork Oddboyz in small formations and others. This is the subtle part mentioned in the comment above.
I have seen many players pass on what looks like an average unit/formation for something they percive as 'better' for their army list. The maligned part from the above comment.
Tactically speaking the more 'effect' you can get out of a formation/unit the more true value it actually has on the battlefield.
Think of it this way. In battle you want to both bend the enemy to your will and force them to react the way you want. Do that and you will gain the initiative, and if you have the initiative you will win the battle. The humble Whirlwind forces the enemy, within its 90cm reach, to spread out and use cover thus this single formation is bending the enemy to your will and forcing them to react the way you want them to over a very large area. The next important step is to then take advantage of that benefit to gain the initiative.
Too many players fail to see this and exploit it.
Epic-A Proverb: Sometimes it is the threat of what a formation can do that is more important then what they actually do.
Seek out those hidden gems in your list, they will pay you back many dividends in the end.
Oh yea, Hunters do accomplish more with the frontline formations then they will ever sitting back with the Whirlwinds at the base line.
Jaldon
