I rarely see these in play. Sometimes they will make a port, wall, or some traps but, that is all I have ever seen. Why are they so rare?

Sort of passive class before level 20 it seem that people don't really like it gameplay.

Ppl dont like it, cuz it doesnt have any op skill( mortal could easly reaped by any class) . So u have to play 1 v1 with everybody, but u dont have any freetime as a sapper tp exits/entrance, totems, traps , steam hammer, barriels, one the most needed class in game.

Poor sapper... no free time... gnoms muss suffer.... unfair world....

PS: Blockrate from 85% is not bad, one should use it!!!Other nice thing about this class is the ability to use turrel or steal enemy morta(enemy gunners have no chanse vs you:)

Let me summarize to make sure I understand. They are a very important class in the game but no one wants to use them because they are very busy.
They make Teleport exit/entrances, totems, traps, barriers, and steam hammers. Also, are you saying they can steal turrets or enemy mortars?

Would most parties need 2 or could they get by with 1? What would you recommend to a new player considering using this class.