Hey, i can see your frustration but fear not there is hope. I have been playing Hamlin for a bit now and i have noticed what would really hose me.
Pull rat catchers away from rats before killing them. This makes me sac more rats to make a new catcher. Also if you get rid of a catcher and he has rats that are near by you can now kill the rats. Also, KILL NIX. lol my friend who i play against a lot, hates him, like, a lot.. If you use seamus, undead psychosis is freaking amazing. Im at work now so ill post a big list of "ways to deal" later.