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So, I'm thinking about starting to collect some Eldar and saw these units which I thought are a nice addition to any force, but I wondered why they have crew members and why they have to be stood next to the battery (within 1").

Is there some special rule as the Index isn't clear as to what benefit or advantage they give, other than its an extra model that can shoot if things get too close.

It's an old remnant of how artillery pieces used to work.

Right now the only benefit you can take from them it's sligthy increasing the area for deep strike denial or buffs for the platform.