I agree he is expensive for his role. But, he is a great wild card, which is one thing my armies need because of my playstyle. Also, for my army, go ahead and shoot him, that means my engines and CH are crusing around unharmed.
Because of this threat range on charges, he also is a very good cascader and since he doesn't have flanks or rear, you can let fast cav charge you from anyside and lose big.