I've had Haer Dalias since almost the beggining of the game (i got him quickly) and when fully kitted up (stoneskin, mirror image, strength, spirit armour) and then offensively spinned he makes a really good melee fighter, you just have to remember to cast strength and stoneskin after waking (get mage to cast strength because then it lasts nearly all day). Problem is dispel magic. Happened against Firkraag and suddenly he was very vunerable
swords are quite nice to.