Well, one thing I realized about the "sine qua non" nature of UDK, he IS the game mascot character and he especially helps new-intermediate players; after that, its not necessary to have him on board.

I mean for me, I am an intermediate newbie and if I fight without him against someone that has him on board, my team may be vastly superior, but I will lose -- that passive is just too strong.  So I learned to bring him on when others use them for arena defense, and I do fine that way.

So, I mean I guess I understand him now and looking at everything and weighing it, I think its a good card and (sigh), I am glad they brought it on. 

I' m howing my ignorance,  but what set is that? 

That's Stoneskin, you get it from Hydra Clan Boss.