Any combat the Martyr is in sets it off (outpost or sub to sub). The navigator combo is so powerful because it can only be effectively targetted by a Pirate (which can target subs).
On it's own, the Martys is generally used defensively or as a threat, but has some offensive capabilities depending on the tactical situation.
It's easy to regard it as either the weakest or most powerful, but it's all situationally dependent. The same argument can be made for many specialists.