At high levels, yeah the Wilder is obviously gimped by 1 level and much fewer powers available on list or now.
The only real use for Wild Surge is making higher ML psi items. Euphoria can't be counted on.
Luckily PsyRef can get most other 8th level powers available in some way.
At low levels, Wilder can do Recharge better than any other psi-class.
ReWilder is kinda like a Warlock, but you
can't choose warlocky powers. That's just stupid.
Mid levels, it gets somewhat boring; but that's just me.
The Mantled version is good stuff ... if the Mantles get substitute powers, it's better.
The Educated version can be done with Mantled too. Obviously an upgrade.
You want 1/2 the powers, and 1/2 the feats of a Psion? Nope.
But it is playable, and it's sort-of easy. You can't go too far afield with it.
I've had beginning players love
the Wilder,
mostly for the cheesy role-playing, combined with an acceptible power level.