Avengers in BG2EE

How do you guys feel druids and the Avenger in particular hold up into TOB. I'm thinking of making a trilogy run with an Avenger but the class seems pretty weak to me.

How do the various shapeshifting forms rate into late game? That includes the HLA forms and the regular Avenger forms. How are the druid HLAs?

Is it worth it to be an Avenger or is the only worthwhile druid either a multi or dual fighter?

Thanks!