DBA v3 period-flavour house rules

I recall Stevie I think producing some nice house rules over on the yahoo site a while back. There were nice rules for chariots, and I think for 4Ax. I would like to ask everyone what they believe the 4Ax troop type represents, as compared to the 3Ax. (uh oh, here we go again...   )

From a classical viewpoint, I see proto-hoplites, Italian republican Allies, Legionary auxilia, Spanish Scutarii, and Thracian later peltasts as a species of formed, medium infantry. These are the 4Ax. They have heavier shields, carry more deadly close combat weaponry, have some ability to fight with some kind of formation and maneuver discipline, are frequently less "urbanized" than the Roman legionary or Greek hoplite, and are used to slogging it out in wild country, over rough terrain. Unable necessarily to stand and hold against the legion, the phalanx, or hard-charging heavy cavalry, they nevertheless could be relied upon to at least give a decent account of themselves, and may play crucial roles in resisting an enemy advance to allow time for the remainder of their army to strike a decisive blow. 

I find myself also having issues with 4Bw/8Bw. The way that Persian HI get vapourised literally in one bound by a Greek hoplite line, and the way their shooting gets LESS effective as the enemy closes, not more, suggests that there is also a type of heavy bow infantry, that may be more adept at close combat fighting than their faster cousins. 

To me, the 3Ax and 3Bw really represent a kind of light infantry, hence their speed. I do find it odd that the 3Ax has only one way to fight against enemy HI - amble slowly up to them and get their heads bashed in without so much as a whimper. No thrilling charge. No javelin skirmishing. Like a really good Psiloi, but without the good sense to let their javelins do the talking!

Now things like Stevie's flank march give our faster troops a bit more options (I think 3Bw should also be allowed a flank march, and to deploy in the flank zones) and that at least compensates for their relative weakness. That said, how could we represent the staying power of 4Ax and maybe 4Bw/8Bw a bit better? Remember, in the classical sense, this represents an interesting conundrum. From the medieval viewpoint (and when Alex fights the Indians), perhaps solid Lb and Cb are better, since they have the QK against Kn. 

I know some have suggested allowing 4Ax to choose to fall back 1BW. In my view, this is not enough, and solves the wrong problem, but I am prepared to stand corrected. What is the consensus out there on the future of 4Ax? 

I have seen proposed that 4Ax add +1 on a losing score in close combat versus Bd, Sp and Pk with rear support. Is this enough?
How about how to handle 4Bw or 8Bw? For 8Bw, side support from other 8Bw or spears seems to fit better with the notion of a shield wall. Then again, a straight +1 to a losing score, like 4Ax, may accomplish the same thing. Any thoughts on the way to house rule this?