Still, doesn't it give experience to berzerkers and Warg riders? Those troops can't get instantly level 5.
This and you can still use the tower version. OK, this falls off a bit, because your production should be high enough in LG, but it's still an option.
Now I understand the idea of bringing back the captains as single units, I too liked them in 3.8.1. However, many systems and concepts have been simplified (in a positive way IMO) in Edain 4.2.1 and the current implementation (being a very strong LG-upgrade) is again perfect for Isengard's LG-theme and perfectionism. Also, Isengard doesn't have so few heroes: Saruman, Grima, Ugluk, Lurtz, Sharku, Wulfgar, (Bill Ferny) -I think this is totally OK.
To sum up, I don't want to change the new system, eventhough I understand why you don't like it or see it as a step backwards.
Greetings
Melkor Bauglir