[VedalkenBear]

Hmm. As far as (national) summons go:

I find S&A Tien Chi's rather interesting. River Oni (why are they called Oni if they're Chinese?) are quite nice, the Fire Oni are okay (but not the greatest; they don't 'play well'). Servant and Hounds are pretty craptacular. The Soldiers are solid.

Marverni's Iron Pigs are pretty hysterical. 20HP 20Prot Sacred Boars.

I think Gandharvas must be mentioned. Bandar Log can easily summon them, and IIRC Patala and Kailasa can Clam for them. Depending on the Bless, Yazatas can be in the same camp, though it's a lot harder for Caelum to get the pearls. (Someone, switch it to Air summons. It just makes sense.)

Anyone mentioned the Morrigans of Fomoria yet? They look pretty interesting. Never been able to mass them, though. Also, I'd like opinions on the Golem Cult's stone guys. Any good ones?

As far as commanders go? The Serpent Cult's Satyr has to be high on the list of 'cool and actually pretty decent'. Even taking him as an Assassin, he's not bad for the price. If you start next to LE Arco or Jotunheim, they can be even better. OTOH, you kind of have to built your pretender around using them.