Ness > Lucas in my opinion
lucas does have some very big redeeming factors however, and I practice with both of them.
Lucas users often need to focus more on their b moves, while Ness users really need to focus on getting Ness' aerial movements down well in order to use him to his fullest potential.
Lucas has a lot going for him... what with 0.5 more damage recovered with his magnet + shine, high knockback on fire, and a thunder that can combo to the edge if done right, but Ness still works better for me...
on the topic of stick vs bat, I've seen the bat send the opponent MUCH farther... and being faster doesn't hurt either. (reminds me of Ness' bat in melee)
Ness = "Combo"-able moves, Slower, Aerials, & "Strength" (if you wanna put it that way)
Lucas = High knockback, Faster, Killer Smashes, Way More Recovery, Jump Glitch, Better Magnet, and a cowlick.
but somehow... Ness works better for me :confused: oh well. it's about as debatable as falco vs fox (in melee) to most people... :(
and you can't beat the bumble bee Ness' awesome factor ;)