The Unthrower

[Crystalion]

I am not drawn to the exploding potions nor the gas potions regardless of the character played.
Am I missing out on an effective ranged weapon?

Yes, in limited cases. Indeed the reason potions were thrice nerfed is because they can be so good. (Nerf: clvl reqs; nerf: shops don't sell; nerf: repair doesn't replenish).

The damage of throwing potions does not scale well for use beyond normal difficulty. However, at the clvls required they are very good area effect damage "skills". Since you can still "repair" the potions by selling them to the shop and buying them back (now replenished) they are great as a twink item (or just dump $ on your twinkee and they can repair the potions they find themselves).

The Fulminating potions, no clvl req, are fantastic for letting act 1 mobs swarm you and then blowing them all up at once (this runs out of steam when the mobs start having greater than 12x5 HPs, since putting them into hit recovery is typically desired--and because if it takes more than half a stack of potions per swarm kill that isn't terribly convenient). However as you level better potions become usable.

Strangling Gas potions, clvl 6 req, are even better, as you can kill clouds of monsters chasing you with one well aimed toss, while never giving them the "swarm" opportunity to hit you. This is basically the "poor man's" poison javelin. Again, as you level, better potions become usable.

Offhand I'd say potions are definitely worth a look until you make at least clvl 18 (new skills). By time you are clvl 24 (imho, ymmv) their utility is pretty limited.