I think this is what is meant here, but to be clear the T-C CAN backstab with a club or staff (of which there are very few decent ones). However, if you don't plan to backstab (and you really shouldn't need to) the T-C will have no problem fighting with a hammer, mace or morning star, and there are quite a few decent ones. So forget the backstab and use a good weapon.

I second that, ister. There are better ways to get more offence out of a T/C than to backstab. A thief-to-cleric character won't have much in the way of HP, either, so will be vulnerable if targeted (as all backstabbers are, after they've been discovered).

I agree: C/Ts make excellent support chacters. They can also melee reasonably well due to the cleric buffs they get.