They are not dead in ELO. They have wonderful options.
5 stars - Lady mainly, then Hefty/ Magnar, then Glenn
4* - Nellie, Kazayan, then Maurice if you didn't use Lady, Jody/Sir Barks/other options
3*- Rubie/Oxen, Burt only in conjuction with Maurice and if you did not pick Lady, Lydia/other inferior options
2* - Jose Star, Wendel, Samantha/Bianca/Muller/McArthur
Great 2* options as you can see, and quality 3*. Lady is a great card. Their 4* are also good. I believe the issue is prices rising.
Sample deck:
Lady
Nellie
Kazayan
Rubie
Oxen
Jose Star
Wendel
Samantha
is a good mono. Kitties/Uppers is also great.