What balance issues would there be in replacing LA with racial HD?

[Magic Myrmidon]

As in, whatever number is listed as an LA, you just give them the hit dice appropriate to their type.

That way, it's basically like taking levels in the race, and you get HP, skills, and the like.

Not sure whether to keep the normal listed racial HD, too.

[sonofzeal]

It varies too much by type.

- Humanoids get d8 HD, good Ref, 3/4 BAB, and 2+int skills.

- Outsiders get d8 HD still, but all good saves, full BAB, and 8+int skills.

Would the same template be of equal value to both?

[tyckspoon]

It'd be alright for most races. It might be a bit odd with templates, especially the ones that both A: change your type and B: give you powers based on your HD (Half-Celestial/Fiendish, for example.)

[Unusual Muse]

You mean like this? (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20040213a)