Generally, that's not the case - they are, objectively speaking, inferior in every way, as deadly as a<em>cat</em>. However, they are usually used in small groups, usually in situations that already advantage them (bottlenecks, corridors designed for small bastards, traps etc.), artificially raising their challenge. And they're often played above their own intelligence.<br/><br/>So, especially if the right feats and random "Races of the Fanboy" features are used, they can indeed be made into a challenge. But as-is, they were designed to be minions that serve the purpose of being slaughtered by the hundred.<br/><br/>And because there is way too much fanboyism, I approve of anything that involves them dying by the hundred. The "Let's make hilarious feats" thing started as a snide insult to the little bastards. "Let's make them more harmful in death than in life". After all, this (http://accel23.mettre-put-idata.over-blog.com/0/08/06/68/wwe/prises-de-lutte/chokeslam.jpg) is an accurate portrayal of what should happen when a kobold attacks an adventurer.<br/><br/>At any rate, I'll probably play them with some degree of intelligence (particularly as cowards who try to find ways to survive encounters, even if it means making someone else die for the cause), but being sent as sheep to the slaughter, as their mistress cares too much about herself to spare any care for them.