At least some writers keep the flame alive and write him as competent. Asmus obviously wrote his as amazing and then Bunn made him out to be pretty good (sneaking up on Fanto, although you know, any self respecting Gambit fan wouldn't really see that as much of an achievement for the Cajun).
So there are writers who get it. Or maybe these other writers need an excuse for Gambit to seek help and they're not creative enough or too lazy to think of anything other than he messes up and needs bailed.
Claremont did it fine, when Gambit needed help he just ASKED for it, because they were his friends and were willing to be there for him. They even followed his lead.
Speaking of Storm, I've never really agreed with her being a better thief than him. I don't pretend to know much about her history but didn't Gambit pretty much teach her for a while? And even if she used to be a professional, Gambit's been at it loooong since she stopped.
