Actually, with the right skillset Cloud is probably the 3rd best character (or 4th, depending on how you rank Ramza). His Limit Breaks can do a good deal of damage, I believe it is Climhazzard that is the immortal killer, it can consistently do 999 damage to the bosses with high HP. Also, his Finish Touch can absolutely DEVESTATE normal enemies. With Short Charge, he can pull off most of his limit breaks fairly soon, and while the Materia Blade is the only sword he can use for his Limit Breaks, it's generally worth it for some of his Limits. He's a good character to have, his moves are a bit different but overall they can dish out quite a bit of good damage when the occassion arises.