That still makes it useless in every encounter except Nere and the Gnolls by your account. Except, AC doesn't seem to work for you there, either?
I admit, I keep at least two optimized characters in every party and utilize items. In the Gnoll fight, for example, because I don't want to arrive at the second pack weakened.
As for Nere, most people either team up with the two duergar or kill the duergar before freeing Nere. I assume your problem is that you roleplay with no foreknowledge, don't use items. I'm pretty much the "kill first and speak with dead" later variety. So, I only rescue a drow I'm specifically here to kill because I want the loot. The minions die.
I'm definitely also getting a surprise attack during dialogue in, because why even talk if it's not a trap? I'm evil. I have a horrible reputation to upkeep! Not necessarily my chars, but their doom remains that I'm the player.
