1. The elemental wand might not be entirely necessary, but it seems helpful, since there are only two flameblasts in the 4th edition core set. Although it's definitely not necessary every game.
2. the difference between battle fury and just using a quick attack spell, is that battle fury happens in the same action as the attack. Innate piercing +x works for both strikes, unlike melee+x, or piercing strike's effect, etc. Also, creature melee attacking with battle fury's effect can't be intercepted by a guard, but an attack spell can.
I.e. if you give a creature elusive at some point and then quickcast battle fury on it right before it attacks the mage, a guarding guardian angel won't be able to stop either strike. If you quickcast an attack spell, guardian angel can intercept the first attack, and then you only get one strike on the mage.
3. If the bear strength gets dispelled, that's only 2 less dice per round. I have plenty more, plus DoT, not to mention that means they have one less dispel for my curses.