You don't always have to fight. I'm not sure if the adventure actually allows you to do it but this is how our DM ran it.
Use that sub-par intelligence they have to your advantage! Our party convinced them to mutiny (thanks to an intimidating/bluffing Dragonborn who catered to their ambitions...
Any skill that reminds me of old games of Cyberpunk is a good thing in my opinion. Everyone in our group has fond memories of that game.
It helps you make better first judgements about surroundings/people. It's helpful but certainly not a "godly" skill like you seem to be making it out to be...