So I've been playing with Marcus a lot lately (probably my problem from the beginning). i disagree with your points about it not happening often, but i do agree with everyone's points on the way the charge action is handled (so question answered, thanks!).
on a side note:
my regular opponent uses him all the time. i never really see tots. its usually large Nephilim, Lilith or some teddies positioned in a way that blocking the aura is tough. Saving cards, that's kind of funny. i don't get many hands when i have more than 3-4 cards over 8 (which is what i would need with my crew). and wasting my hand to get shots at one dude doesn't bode well for the rest of the turn .
that being said, I've been coping with it and not giving up (Marcus can howl to help out). its not impossible, but it does make the game more a fate toss from the get go. i think its a pretty OP ability on a pretty defensive guy with a (0) and nimble, but that's for another thread (i'd like to see the play-test discussion). It would be pretty hard to balance since a shooty crew could just ignore it. I've just been leaving it to fate, though not finding games against him particularly fun, especially reckoning and squatters rights.