So I just started playing Darkest Dungeon and I found myself putting the plague doctor on the far left and the... err, paladin healer lady (?) just to his right. With the Crusader I've gotten the trait where I pretty much suck for the first round (at least, I think that's what it means). I've gotten a similar one with my brigand (?) fellow. I l know this is my first group and I'll go through dozens of people, so it doesn't really matter too much. However, I found myself, just in order to survive, using the first round to buff my group as much as I can.

I'm curious if extensive buffing in the long term is a good route or if I should pull a Jeff and ignore them? Thanks for any advice guys. Really loving this game so far.

I think the buffs are quite useful in boss battles. I use them significantly less in regular fights, because I feel like the battle would be over in the same number of turns if I just spend that first turn attacking instead of buffing. I like the Leper buffs that heal your HP/stress, and I like the Hellion buff that removes Bleeding or Blight while also boosting a couple stats.

The Jester buff once upgraded will take you places. Also, useful if you get into a hallway fight right before entering a room as you should be able to stack it a few times.