they 're not that great. helpful when doing a balloon and minion raid if you can get everything there quick enough. theyre just a meatshield that attracts fire. they do virtually no damage so if the attacking troops dont get there quick enough its a waste. below level 2 are rubbish anyway, and...
yup, level 90 odd, th9. got maxed loons, archers and barbs. co-leader of a clan with over 40 war wins under our belts :)
also, and this is very important for those that play, i have never spent any money on gems!