They clearly do....the only reason it didn't work previously, was DCCW description said "Dreadnoughts with Dreadnought close combat weapons double their Str." That stipulation has been removed.
I would agree that hammers are now a bad buy. On the upside, you would still get +1 attack with a sword, as it's not a "specialist weapon" but still doesn't seem worth it by comparison.
I have played precisely 1 game of 6th so far. I used a Stormraven (which didn't come in until turn 4 and was promptly shot down with a lucky dark lance shot) a Bastion (which was ok, but the dmg chart is punishing to lightly armored henchmen, and you need a good BS to work the gun) and coteaz (who was fantastic)
I may want to add in some Tau allies, not sure yet, it does get expensive.
Coteaz should just always be brought, I think. He's equivalent to an upgraded SM libby for 100pts! I had the basic divination reroll power and the "objuration mechanicum" power to mess up vehicles, both were sweet.