I actually like him in my empire turn reduction team...
He has big hp's, counter attacks and a chance for offense down on basic. His aoe has a solid turn reduction chance and although his natural speed is garbage it gets to a respectable level with boosts from his unique and aoe skills.
He is solid and tanky, can slow down the other team and can help stack negative effects (for even more Vader culling blade damage) and is tough for the other team to wear down.
I have him at *7 and gear 8 at the moment but I'm not sure if he has a place yet in my team yet... once they fix Old Ben's leader ability in thinking Old Ben (L), RG, Magmatrooper, Vader and IG-100 will be a nasty group