You must use the text of an elite’s ability if it applies to the situation and can be resolved, even if it is less ideal than not using it.
For example, if you are playing the Ooglan and attack a region with a Nameless in it, the damage you deal must be equal to the Nameless’s Vitality, even if the Nameless has 1 Vitality and you are attacking with the All-Seeing Die’s Assault which would otherwise deal 2 damage.