wrote:only truly bad build is a core-race rogue without caster levels who tries to solo
Such a hurtful Admin :P
More-or-less the build of my Main now (no Hips, big bluff, epic dodge, precision). It was created in response to one of DarkRob's occasional RP theme-challenges.
It's actually pretty fun. Umd is pretty helpful for scrolls that fill in the holes (ethereal, shades...etc; classic hide skills that can get you around if you use them while not in battle. It's a bit low AC(34) when not buffed due to the equipment compromises needed for bluff skill - but really those extra buffs are not needed unless you are heading into one of the big&nasty zones. And I'm not too proud to step aside and to let someone else prove their prowess, either.
(I'm slowly seeing which areas I can wander around and initiate combat with absolutely no buffs at all. So far = most areas except boss zones and Carceri/Maze/Plateau/Inside Nifl.
Conclusion: everything is viable, depending on how you define "viable".