So Shades. An interesting choice. A very handy ability for a massive price tag. What do you think about them?

Personally, I never really spent too much thought on them before because I hated the model and I'm always running out of points as is. But recently I think on Warseer, I saw the idea of modelling them like a Dementor from Harry Potter, and I just thought, that's brilliant! So now I'm seriously considering one. They're a bit of a risk though. More than a troll, as much as 2 Barrow Wights (who could arguably cause just as much havoc) and not really going to hold their own. But they seem useful for smashing through the enemy defence or killing heroes who will run out of might very quickly bumping their rolls (except Aragorn whose 3 attacks makes him partially immune).

Would you run one? In what size game would you use it in? Or would you prefer to spend the points elsewhere?

they are great but are more effective agianst "elite" troops. against Drawns or elves they are a must but they WILL run if your force breaks since they are a hero with a courage of 1!!!

Shades are a very handy thing to have in a game but I wouldn't consider one in smaller games (500 and below in my opinion).

Though they're handy to have in an army and anything above 500 points (e.g. 750, 1000 etc.) and they are a good choice to fill in the extra points.

However I've always preferred Barrow Wights and Spectres.

Any extra points? That's a fair few
The problem is with the Shade that there's so many other expensive options for Angmar, and it's hard to find both troops and remaining points.
Would you prefer a Shade or a troll for some muscle? 2 Barrow Wights? Extra stats for the WK? Extra troops? Gulhavar?
See there's so many options, which is both good and bad. I think that if you take a Shade, you'll need a lot of troops to protect it or it'll fall quickly. That means cutting out on the other gribblies and taking warriors. Which is a hard choice IMO.

Personally, I think I may try one next time I play my mate's elves. Gotta work out how to model it though.

Yeah the best thing to do would be to try it out for yourself. You might find you much prefer playing with lots of warriors and a shade, you might however just find that you prefer Gulhavar, trolls and warriors (or another combo of Angmars endless options).