they are utterly and completely useless.
Well, they would have some use on terra/NW maps if not that stupid barbs guarding all goody huts.
other than mapping new territory, they have no use, and they are no better at it than WII mace. (and mace can kill barbs an enter goody huts) You can't even kill the barbs with a mace and then enter the hut with explorer (for supposedly better results), because mace autopicks it.
Leaving them in build menu even after stealth seems just mocking.
I'd suggest uprage path as
scout->explorer->pioneer->motorcycle scout->jeep, the later 3 starting with commando, and being able to attack, but unable to pillage.