I really don't like those assassins eihter... or, more specifically, I like them, but with special gear, so I much prefer those vanilla assassins at 60 gold (and that can be recruited everywhere incidentally, instead of having an opportunity cost of one mage).
If you really want assassins, all nations can also go the Black Heart path, where any stealthy troop can become an assassin. Want to assassinate with your Pan? Go ahead! Want to make your Harpy an assassin? Go ahead too, and don't complain about the results.
