Yeah throwing axeman have been a pain. Glad someone else noticed. I always use the counter units against them and still get owned.
Slingers and toxates, dp alright but it does'nt seem like a counter at all. Its a 50-50 chance with them and Norse players can usually out produce you.
Everything else gets owned including many myth units.
The best counters i have used when available are anubites/slingers for eggies, centaurs/toxotes greeks. And more throwing axemen for norse. I don't think i have ever won a battle where i have had TA's countered perfectly and walked away with more than 20-25% of my army intact.
Its definatley the most versatile unit in the game.
A one man counter for infantry, cavalry, anti-infantry infantry, heroes, air and does quite well against most myth units including the nidhogg, colosus and two of three giants.
Its cheap, uses only wood and gold. Leaving norse with planty of food. To use for upgrades and or other powerfull units that compliment Mass TA. Such as hill forts units and myths. Also mass TA's take down buildings
remarkably fast.
All that make throwing axeman the toughest unit to counter. IMO in aom.