I don't think there's a problem... have you ever tried using Black Hunters with N9 + E9, W9, or F9? They are weak against MR saves (in the default game)... and otherwise ungodly powerful.
Nothing else is similar. Hydras are not sacred, as sacred hydras require a very weak theme. So for the same gold and half the upkeep, you can pit two double-9 blessed spiders against a hydra... and you'll win.
And I could be wrong... but I thought the only mounts that stay with you after the rider dies (and after the battle ends) were Black Spiders and Gryphons. Units that fight a little then run away don't concern me.
Quote:
Arralen:
But with the Black Hunters, you basically pay as if you had a 12+45HP, size 6 unit with 4 attacks and poison resistance all time long, not only after the rider dies and you're left with an afflicted spider.
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They are not afflicted... the second form is pristine when the rider dies, IIRC. And with the usual nature bless, they are already poison-immune (or resistant?)
Essentially, you're approaching the 'problem' from the wrong angle. Black Hunters, like many sacred units, may be worthless without a strong bless... but strong blesses exist, so you have to compare them BLESSED. Marignon, Ulm, Man and Abysia also have units that benefit from Nature-9 blessing, but... only Black Hunters (of the four) regenerate a useful amount of health, or gain a useful amount of protection (having natural rather than metal armor). Unless countered by MR-save spells, Black Hunters / Spiders with a strong 99 bless can wipe out much more expensive armies easily. Not to mention that Spiders are upkeep-free in the base game (IIRC).
Try playing a game against some AIs on impossible, using nothing but N9F9 or N9E9 Black Hunters... and some support mages.