Ypu're right about the big cost forgetting into MoAO. Hadn't completely thought of that, and we have no flaws in this game. So that is probably out. Started thinking about just going as the guide suggested and stick with straight DB, might do that. I have checked out Sand Shaper, and am strongly thinking about that. I always pictured this guy as a sort of desert nomadic warrior, and thematically it works really well. Its added spells aren't the best, though some are really good, and a few of them thematically work very cool. It also only takes one feat to get into. Its sandshaping ability actually synergizes well with a DB too.
The only two things I am hesitant about with it is that it lowers my caster level, and that some of the higher level progressing abilities of the DB (Quick Cast and Spell Power are hard to pass up. Particularly this matters now, as I am making the character at 17th level and he just now gets 5th level spells, though with Sand Shaper, he won't get any 5th level spells until next level.