No one thinks a thug should be able to go head to head with a warrior and to my knowledge no one has said so.

Yes, trappers and poisoners can be a real pain. But, that does not support your assertion that thugs should not have better melee because, as you know, a thug is neither a trapper or a poisoner. Nor are they a binder or pickpocket.

A thug forgoes all those other paths to pursue melee. Yes, they can learn some things in other paths, but not the higher level stuff and if they do try to climb another path, they are giving up thief staples like Gentle Walk, Knife, Cheap Shot, Shield Block, etc. to do it.

One of the reasons why I think that thugs are underpowered at hero is their maledicts. If you can last long enough to Kidney Shot, Gut AND Gouge (that's 5 combat rounds assuming you don't miss any) it's not going to hurt as much as one boneshatter, one kot or kans, impale, etc. as far as stats go. So, while any other class is actually killing you with spells, supps or skills, you are using mediocre direct damage skills that are not going to hinder your foe.

Also, at hero, everyone but ragers has fly up which defeats the most expensive thief skill, cheap shot (even more expensive than acrobatics)...for about 150 copper.

At least at L42, you might get lucky and fight someone not covering stats very well or not flying.