I'll echo that!
Of the simple weapons:
Slings are good because they're cheap and you never really run out of ammo, you just run out of GOOD ammo. Plus they are one of the few blunt ranged weapons out there, so you won't lose effectiveness fighting undead. They also are the kind of weapon someone who doesn't use weapons often might still use.
Daggers, Darts, javelins, spears and clubs are all thrown weapons, so you get your Str bonus, albeit at the cost of your weapon in hand...
Um...I don't recall offhand...what are the spheres Bahamut gives access to?