I ran Hoffman last night for the second time ever. 50ss got me Hoffman w/ Arcanists Assets, healing upgrade, and the handing out upgrades upgrade, took Ryle, Howard, 2 Hunters and an Arachnid Swarm.
Ryle, as the big brother (I think) kept next to Hoffman the whole time and recovered from a lot 3 wounds way back to full from both his own self heal as well as Hoffman's. Honestly, his shooting really does suck, I missed a Hollow Waif three(!) times in a row with Fast and couldn't get through. But there was just something about the durability of Ryle that really got me playing him with Hoffman. Plus if you keep him close by for Magnetic, Ryle helps block enemies from getting LoS to Hoffman, while providing you a nice way to get around (giving Ryle Fast/Nimble), a good bodyguard, and a way to make sure your Constructs are getting the Power Loops, Repairs, and (1) actions they need for you to win.
I've only played him twice, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Overall, I think Hoffman is my favorite master I've played yet, and I certainly plan to play him a lot more.