Re: Hand of Nod (opinion!)
As suggested above, Air Tower is a legit alternative start for Nod. The more I think about it, Nod Air is robust and flexible (despite still being less tanky and more expensive than ground) in a similar way to GDI Barracks being robust and flexible, covering nearly all counters. Whereas GDI Helipad build isn't nearly as flexible - it's good but more flimsy/situational/specialized. I've never seen a GDI air deck work right but seen plenty of all-air Nod decks. I use one myself on occasion.
