I used Blisseys quite a bit, and I have tried out my dt/fs Lugia a bit. Lugia is certainly more bareable than Blissey and fs with STAB does a nice chunk of damage. It is pretty comparable to my lick/bs Snorlax.
However, with the overall weakness of gyms Dragonite just makes more sense.
Edit: As far as being potion efficient, it doesn't really matter. If you happen to face a fully motivated pokemon, they only have the high cp for the first fight. I don't even use potions on my gym attackers, only revives. Dragonites, Tyranitar, and Vaporeon at half health are more than good enough.