^Ive noticed people using them. I have been playing hoplite in native for the last 2 months exclusively and spend %30 of my cRPG time as hoplite.
A hoplite will always lose 1v1 if the players have similar skill. I am not threatened by hoplites unless there is 3 or more. 2 holites should not be a problem for any decent player with any athletics.
Hoplites are the slowest moving on the battlefield, 1 attack direction, lowered damage, easily stunned, easily chambered and require a compromised build.