There really isn't much that can bring them down quickly, no. Mass fire, sure half will be saved but if you put enough shots of anything into them it will dent them. Though do not target them if there are softer targets on the field, there is no such thing as a cheap unit in a HE army. Take solice in the fact that they have 'only' s4 (lower than the other elites) and 1 attack each, they aren't nearly as good offensively as the other two choices but obviously better defensively. Saurus could probably take them in combat, and are cheaper. Other than that, flank them. Or destroy the rest of the army around them and leave them until last.
thanks so could i lock them in combat then flank them what is so great about them i would so get white lions of chrace instead and following that what is the appeal of high elfs they are so bland must be boring to paint
Nothing is boring to paint, its just a matter of whether you can find inspiration from the models and create something cool over it. The plain blue and white scheme is a little dull, but remember you can paint any army however you want. My High Elves have a deep red and bronze Spartan theme, including the lambda (upside V) on every shield, banner and some cloaks. They look cool and are great fun on the battlefield. The entire purpose of PG is to be really hard to kill. Also, they cause fear which is a nice bonus. They are a good way to deliver your general to the fight. 18 PG 6x3 now puts out 13 s4 attacks, rerolling any misses and striking first. Not bad. Now add 3 s6 attacks (great weapon noble) also striking first and rerolling misses and you have a formidable unit that is very hard to kill. Plus the models for them are absolutely amazing, that is the main reason I use them. And I'm not talking about the new bulky plastic crap, I'm talking about the quality metal PG who are IMO some of the best models GW has made. White Lions have a different role; they can be hard to shoot with their lion cloaks, the stubborn makes them stick around in battle even when flanked, and they dish out impressive s6 attacks. They are easier to kill in combat though, and obviously no one wnats to be near them so they take a lot of shooting and baiting. I'm a big fan of the lion chariot; that thing also causes fear and deals a very impressive 4 s5 attacks and 2 s6 attacks (the latter two rerolling misses and striking first) and that is before considering impact hits!
*Apologies to those who have seen these photos every time there is a High Elf thread.* There are a few of the photos I've taken. Probably need to patch some of them up, the army was painted a few years ago so I have got better since. Need to find the time and motivation to do it though.