The action cards aren't useless... I don't understand that logic at all.

The attack action cards have a lot of advantages over basic melee attack, like considerably more damage, ignoring soak, extra attacks each round. The action cards really define a character in combat and gives him a lot of options. You could cut them, but they are certainly powerful.

They are not too powerful though and they shouldn't be. But they do give a lot of different advantages and the way some cards can interact allows for some very brutal combos.

Hi,

Our group also really got into action cards, so much so that every player hits the cap on action card exp buys for his career.

They can provide brutal combos true. But more importantly IMHO they offer variety of actions during encounters. I loved playing v1 and v2 but it did get insanely repetative in combat, and I find to a certain degree 40kRP still does. Mechanically just taking the most attacks a turn you're allowed was an automatic choice, repeat as necessary. Now not only can you choose a style of combat thats fits your char RP wise, but recharge also forces variety. And it offers a few options for non combat careers to build a few tricks (the high Ag thief with nimble strike, dirty tricks and devious manuevers or the commoner and his wood axe using reckless cleave) further incentive to mechanically supporting your characters personality.

Have fun