I def agree w most of that----*BIGGEST* problem had with my (test) Alch run(S), [bugs aside!] is they MISS----a LOT! Esp early on (D14? b4 D21? Neither run has make it to D21 yet. [1 crashed----screen bug (Lost *ALL* locations!) ---see bugs section--& didn't have recent save. ]
Even against Goblins or 1 Evasion bonus buff [there are 3? I think] Need special crafted staffs w "to hit" bonus---takes upgrades + time to make.
There's just too many other needed (mage/Wits) classes---Thief/Hunter/Scholar/cook/*CASTER* [now locked, but w it's AE Blizzard, still generally more useful than Alc! -->> Even if you "miss" one, may hit a least 3/6, Dam HALF is *LOTS better than dam NONE, + no need for potions, reduces speed, etc] (Oh, could also add: Farmer, since now silk supposed to use wits. )
Seems to me (early opinion, more testing needed) not really useful b4 D14, *AND*, Hi Wits Mage *WITH* *To Hit* Bonus & STAFF.
Oh, Assasin's *MAJOR* Upgrade (heard a few other's mention them, but no Days/time, so no idea when they got it) ----Req 1,000 Guild pts! [Fighter] Even if you side w them, don't think *EVER* gotten this b4 D28.
So have you ever used Alchemist B4 D21? [Default/solo route] If so, what classes, & what Day?
Seem to me [5.4] He's trying to make Alc a "substitute" for Caster [early on]-----but it's a really poor one at best.