IMHO, the GC body for strumming depends largely on how you define "strumming" (how your attack is), and what your expectations are (do you really want it as loud as a dred or are you amping it); and even then it is hit and miss depending on what wood combo you get. Wood combos make a tonal differance as we all know, but somehow I think and have come to feel that the wood combo is even
more important when the guitar body is smaller.
FWIW, I've tried GCs that were less than inspiring when strummed; great when picked with fingers or pick, but left me wanting when strummed. Then I tried several (hmmm, maybe 5 of them, IIRC?) R.Taylor Style 2s ...wow! Every one of them was loud, bold, and defined; each had their tone going on, but could have easily lived with any one of them, they were
that good ...and yes, I took one of them home

The OP is asking a question that is highly subjective, which is perfectly legit, but one rife with many possible answers. So I will answer with this: yes, a GC can be a perfectly good strummer, but it depends on your expectations and the particular guitar woods and build you happen to have in your hands. And if you are playing live (amp'd), it's a superb choice.
Oh, and I'll echo what others said about the 12-fret: if going with this smaller body, the 12 fret makes a significant difference, and that would get my nod!
Edward