Ba'als have lower encumbrance because they don't have any armour. If you're thugging a Ba'al you'll probably want some armour on them, which usually adds encumbrance. This is why a high earth bless is common for giant nations, as it adds both prot and much needed reinvig. I'd go with Ba'als in your situation as without a bless keeping Melquarts from fatiguing out will be a big problem. Earth ones are probably your best bet, as they can cast summon earthpower to help with fatigue and then invulnerability or other protection enhancing spells to help their survivability without needing armour. Firebrand + Shield of gleaming gold with a pair of Boots of the Messenger is what I would go with, but I'm often fairly simplistic when it comes to gearing thugs. Though I've never actually used Hinnom outside of single player, so keep that in mind before you take my advice.
Re: Hinnom (EA, no mods): Ba'al's or Melqarts
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