[Baalz]

Plus (not sure if this is what Micah meant by half a Formorian King) A1 + an air gem = mist form. Assuming you've got an E/N bless druids can make very decent thugs if you can manage vine or golden shields.

A2 = mistform without a gems, cloud trapeze
W = breath of winter, quicken self - I'm thinking used in small groups, devastating in the right circumstances with that 21 strength and stacking chill aura. Also, can you say 150 gold niefel slayer?
N = resist elements, resist poison, resist lightning combine with frost brand & dragon helm for 100% resistance to whatever it is you're fighting.
D = Not so much a thug, but with a skull staff can drop winds of death & wailing winds which are two very underrated spells IMO. Can also summon Morrigans, which are some of the best things D gems can go to.

Doesn't sound like a useless unit to me...