First off, I'd just like to point out that unless I'm trying something new out, I always use the same party in FF1: Fi, Th, Wm, Bm. I know most people use a Black Belt in their party instead of the Thief. Those who do stick with the Thief will usually say the reason they pick him is for his running ability. Now I run from a lot of battles (cough, Marsh Cave, cough), but I don't find my Thief to have a particularly good chance of being successful when running away. My Black Mage is usually the one who saves us. Has anyone else noticed this? Is it just present in the Final Fantasy Origins release, or has it always been like that?
So since I don't take the Thief for his running, there must be some reason I take him, right? I actually take him so that he can be a Ninja someday. There's 2 Sasukes (i still call them Katanas) to be found in the game. Since they're one of the best weapons in the game, it'd be a real shame to see both of them go to waste. Plus, they can cast low level Black Magic. I've actually never used a Black Belt in my party, think I'll try one when I play through on Easy Mode.