I don't tend to arm them, though I guess if I got them devoted to me, sure.i was thinking the exact same lines lol was worried if i arm a slave she shoot me
I do, however, bring them with me on tours of wiping out the easiest enemies occasionally, to ensure they respect my martial/combat-command ability. I figure that is useful two ways. One, discourages attacking me. Two, makes them feel like I can protect them from people who would treat them worse than I do.