The Emboar line was the biggest disappointment for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved its power and wide move-pool, but its pitiful speed and defense killed it for me. Plus the only good fighting move it could learn was Brick Break (it could learn Superpower, but I'm not a big fan of it).
Emboar didn't suck for me, it's cool.
I eventually got the chance to train one and he didn't let me down... mine even had a good nature (I guess Jolly is one of the best natures for Emboar) and mine was lucky to have gotten good Speed IVs.
Even though he gets stuck with Arm Thrust until you get to Mistralton City, it's still helpful. You forgot to mention that he gets Hammer Arm through the Move Relearner which hits hard. REALLY HARD.