I used to field warriors with spear but recently I changed them with rangers and citadel guards.
Why? With the new Hobbit rules evil players are more likely to field monsters, the bodyguard rule allows citadel guards to charge without taking the couragetests. If they are backed by a hero with heroic strike, you can neutralize monsters rather quickly.
I also changed my bowmen by rangers with spear, just for the better bows.
And the best advantage with rangers or guards is that they have a fight value of four, combined with the special strikes from your frontrank they are devastating
So I totally agree with you.