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It looks like you ran headlong into a formation called a Retaliation Cadre. If he didn't make it clear, there are some clear limitations to the formation:
he really only gets the bonuses if he reserves them, but if he does, they come in turn 2 and get +1 BS on the turn that they deepstrike. Also keep in mind that the broadsides are the only ones that really benefit from relentless as nothing else needs it.

FYI, the riptide and broadsides have a 2+ save. The commander can or one of the crisis suits can buy one, but the rest of them have only a 3+ save.

It is slightly funny though to have an eldar player be in fear of anything really.