[Foodstamp]

The best way I have found to make AI thugs is to modify their stats as if they were equipped with the desired gear, then if desired you can set them to 0 item slots.

For instance, instead of using map commanders to give the thug "Full Steel Plate"

Use a mod command to give the modified thug #armor "Full Steel Plate".

Then set the item slots to 0 and if desired give them #onebattlespell (Whatever) + things like fireshield etc. to simulate effects from the items.