What's the point of the Windrider Host?

I feel like I'm missing something here. The vast majority of benefits that this detachment gives apply to close combat, but most (all?) of the units that can actually be a part of a Windrider Host really want to avoid close combat if possible. The -1 AP for shooting stratagem is okay, but 4 command points in total to use it seems really painful.

So, what's the point? Is there some amazing combination of units and stratagems here that isn't obvious, or is this just a fluffy specialist detachment that isn't meant to be practical or useful?

Well, warlock skyrunner conclaves can do fine in close combat, depending on the target. The stratagem itself allows you to fall back AND advance to get far away from what you just charge AND it takes effect immediately after you fight with the unit, before your opponent has a change to even swing back. So, you can charge an enemy unit, hit it with a flurry of attacks that wound on 2+, and retreat 22" away without taking any hits back.