feldon30 wrote:
Koleg@Unrest_old wrote:
Can't you just hire a Paladin or Templar in town now as it is without even buying DOV or COE, you just need AOD? Why do I have to pay extra for a Merc I can already hire? Just for a new skin and equal performance?
Some people are willing to pay extra or do extra effort for a different appearance. The Ancient Mercs in Skyshrine are functionally similar to the ones you can pick up in the cities yet look different, and they're quite popular.
That said, the Collector's Edition mercs have been described as:
Our CoE Collector’s Edition mercs (Templar & Paladin) are significantly “better” than the mercs in Freeport and Qeynos, but cost the same.
I can't find the quote, but Holly also indicated that the CE merc(s) won't cower quite so quickly when faced with challenging mobs. Again, it's your money and your choice. 
From earlier in this thread, Windstalker stated "The Collector's Edition mercs have significantly higher stats and confidence than the standard mercs (they can take a lot more of a challenge before they cower/debuff)."