I think without the card loop Som'er is very competitive. The Dumb luck ability can potentially double his and other gremlins damage, the pigs can throw out quite a bit of damge for their point cost and having the pig whisperer makes quite a bit of difference.
With Som'er and the whisperer making more troops for you, a smart player can balance his troop losses with those of his opponent. It may be a battle of attrition, but Som'er is equiped to come out ahead!