Im currently using Samuel (lvl 9 cleric) with my lvl 12 fighter.

I like his summon earth elly spell and he can raise dead.

Most of all, since update 3. I really enjoy being able to set up Samuel with his summoned elly in a safe area.
Using a classic grab and draw from a full room of enemies.

I run back to about 15 feet from samuel, where I stand my ground. Once the enemies arrive I am ready with my elly companion .

But more importantly , Samuel stays put. Doing what he is suppose to. Healing my fighter. Its a real pleasure to do a quest with a hireling like that.

Good work Turbine with that hireling improvement