Unless you mix your path, EVERY single skill is based upon a successful blackjack or the person being asleep. And while I do think that they are potentially the most deadly thief path I must agree that they are one trick ponies. If you fail to jack them then the best you can do is trip them if you have only studied under the binder path. I too thought about lassos/bolos all the damn time while I was playing my binders and I feel that you should get a skill really high up there that allows you to throw ropes in a way to allow you to bind hands and legs in combat. Of course this skill would be based upon your throwing ability as well as your ability in both bind hands and legs, and even then a great chance of failure. I think binding is my favorite thief class but yes, a failed jack means running away to try again another day.