Thats just it though. They may be useless for Alex, but there is a lot more content to the game than that. Not that those skills are used a ton, there are situations that I have used them where it either saved my hind end or someone else. Clemency allows me to solo some of the post 50 dungeons including HM's. Tempered Will though not used much in dungeons atleast gets rid of heavy in the open world. I do use it on the last boss in Neverreap as a safety, also used it in Titan a few times. Out of all of those, shield bash is used quite often to stun or stop some attacks. Cover used once in Titan HM to save a wipe. Again not used much but there are situations where it worked out, so not entirely useless.