What is rend's proc chance? I'm thinking of playing part 4 again with Laguz only. It has to be bloody good. You get another beast Laguz (with Roar though. Name is Giffca)) at 4-E - he pretty much has better stats allaround. 10 more health, 6 more def, 4 more str, and 2 more skill (rest is about even) at level 36. Remember that these stats double when transformed (well, not health). (Oh, and he isn't one of the Royal Laguz either).
Essentially, you have a load of beast/flying Laguz units to use among your final group. You can choose from; Nailiah, Caineghis, Tibarn, Naesala, Tibarn, Skrimir and Giffca.
All of those are better than Ranulf (or so I'd say).
When I write Fact: in one part of the post, and opinion: (or a similar word), it's not because I can then say "my opinion can't be wrong". It is to inform what part is pure facts, and which part I try to draw a conclusion in.