I’m currently going with a Druid and my random number generator I use decided on Claws as my first ability. Is there any benefit to choosing something not aligned with the werewolf as opposed to just going purely werewolf?
Not really. Practically, possibly, depending on what the rest of your choices are. The reason is because not all skills have equal representation among aspects and uniques. Having said that, most builds, regardless of what one selected can reach tier 4. The pit will be another story.
Before I had to stop playing, I had a necro for whom I chose the skill I liked best from each node. When I finally got enough cooldown reduction and generation, I replaced my basic skill with my ultimate. She wasn’t a pit contendor, but she could walk through tier 4 NMDs, and I was satisfied.