Where did you read that hitpoints of troops was reduced? Didn't read that on changelist or noticed that in game. I think you are mistaken here.
And lightning, as always, have still its place. I've always used lightning to remove an Wizard Tower or a mortar away from my attack position so my BARCH army can penetrate easily on the base.
Using 4-6 wall breakers with 2 lightnings to remove a WT from your way can transform your cheap BARCH army into a competent Storage raid army.
And Every Town Hall, from 6 to 10, can do this. You don't need to raid with Dragons to properly use lightning spell.

