Yes, they're good. They have a good bit of damage and if you're using abilities, prove deadly. But with eoc, they only have 1 attack style, so they're a bit handicapped in that area.
Everything is so much more dependent on weaknesses and shit now. But apparently according to what I have read here I'm probably going to get one when I get p2p back
Most people use SGS for slayer as it has a 25% chance to restore your HP, as well as a small chance to restore some prayer points. It's the same as the SS and EE, people use them mainly for the bonuses.