For only 18 (Tough) points they provide decent stats and stay around for a goodly amount of time. In my orc army they are the heart, moreso than any figure on the field they will be seen. In conquest they are excellent formation attackers. 5 of them will do 13 attack and 6 damage. You could also use goblins or such to round out formation attacks. In rebellion games use them to surround bigger uniques and attack away. Their lower cost allows for more of them to fit in an army.