I like the blaster... First for play value, and in general any extra value as well... But I also envision the Magna Guards being skilled with both weapons. The electro-staffs don't do them well against certain enemies except Jedi, so the blaster's a cool addition I think.
Not a necessity, but appreciated.
I'm easily picking up a dozen of these I figure... I'm hopeful they'll do variants as well, or at least the movie blue variant anyway.