I think people get tripped up because the Chemist doesn't have the safety net of potions for its end-game. It's a pitfall to beware of, and means you need to be on the lookout for any "instant benefit" items or deities you can find to give you that safe end-game.
Using Taurog to declog is something I've actually done before. No intention of actually worshipping the guy, but that "penalty" for prepping him can be very handy in the right situations.