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Ive been glossing over some topics here and people really seem to have a habit of attributing anyone who runs a spartan with TFG. Why? I don't see whats bad wrong or cheesy about them at all. They cost almost 400 points and are usually purchased to transport a Primarch and body guard. So you're looking at 1000+ points devoted to a single unit basically. Yeah its probably gonna kill anything it hits, but it can be worn down easily if focused fired. And the Spartan itself is tough, but a little maneuvering will take it out of the fight right quick.

30k in my mind is supposed to be played at 4k+, it fits the aesthetic of mass legion warfare, and allows for some variety in your unit choice at high point games. So odds are, if you play this way, you'll have something that can deal with it.

Maybe im crazy or something, but I really dont see the big deal with these, especially with the imminent mastodon tanks.

well, a few points to help clarify:

1) Most times you will see 'TFG' and 'Spartan' together has to do with those kill-joys who only spam power units. 2+ Spartans, backed by Sicarians, Fire Raptors, Etc. are what most would call TFG, not bringing a single Spartan
2) Sadly, we cannot balance (or presume the balance of) things for a point level few people play. Even though 30k would look amazing at a constant 4k level, most people play at a 2-3k level.
3) My issue with the spartan is the idea of it that is currently being pushed is some form of end-all, be-all uber option, when really it's a 400 point transport for a (typically) 700+ point unit. Fluff should really be the focus of 30k, not crunch, as such, I tend to encourage people to look at the more 'ignored' 30k units as opposed to IMMEDIATELY go for spartans, sicarans, and other such things.
4) the mastadon, though cool, is SUPER mediocre, super expensive, and all around something that won't see the table to often. therefor I don't think it's a fair comparison when talking about the spartan. that would be like saying "why take a praetor when you have access to a primarch" or "why bother with a Leman Russ, bring a Baneblade" they are the same general line (beat-stick character and tank, respectivley), but leagues different in the rules.

OH! the other 'tfg' move with a spartan is usually something like bringing a maxed out one to a sub 2k game, as there's really only so much you can do shooting wise at such a "low" point level

I care not for the spartan, as it will be dead turn 2...
(AL Saboteur+Relic which makes one roll a 6)

commander dante wrote:
I care not for the spartan, as it will be dead turn 2...
(AL Saboteur+Relic which makes one roll a 6)

That's not a thing that works, nor has it ever done in the past if you read the rules closely.
- You have to activate the Augment Array at the start of your turn, which you can't because the Saboteur is not on the board. By the time he turns up, you've already missed your chance to turn it on.
- Relics are no longer 30k-approved and need your opponents permission to use. Good luck getting your opponent to agree with that one.

Spartans are not something to feel guilty about using, they are simply part of the 30k world. They aren't better than 1000pts* invested into any other combination of infantry or tanks, they are simply a concentration of extremely durable armour that happens to be worth their cost. It's something to consider when you write your list, which is "Can I handle a Spartan Deathstar" at the same time as handling a Militia horde, Castellax blob or screams of T5/FNP Chimerae. It's just one extreme of the scale that needs a sufficient response to stop, otherwise you have a Primarch and his mates in your deployment zone Turn 2.
As you said, it's not an issue to get that much Haywire and Las-Arrays into a 'proper' 30k list of 2500pts or more. Of course you'll get people trying it at lower points but that's just converting the game into Rock/Paper/Scissors rather than the Spartan being inherently overpowered.

*Spartan with Flares, Ceramite, a suitable beatstick, Terminator retinue and whatever Consuls you fancy. It's all part of the same package.

I guess im just used to higher point games with my group. I've lost my Spartan a few times for sure, and the squad inside. And I dont have any sicarans or fire raptors since I try to run a fluffy foot stompy slow Salamander list.

My mate runs one on the regular in our 1500pt games - complete with praetor and termies and what not. Yeah it's a PITA, if you don't build your list to deal with it chances are you won't be killing it at that point level - but the thing is, if you aren't running a list to kill it, you can probably do a good enough job at ignoring it and not sustaining too many losses - a few las cannon shots a turn won't kill your 20 man tactical blobs in a hurry!

Graviton aka hawire works just fine vs them.