I don't think anybody disputes the Machaka early game is super strong (except some undefined "experts" on IRC
), that really isn't the issue. The issue is the end game.
While one, or as I think the *only*, solution is (what cleveland half-jokingly says above) to rush the map before it gets to the end game, that may be slightly difficult in a "true" MP game (ie not duels, but where there are several players along). Maybe that is the niche of Machaka, but it sort of does not feel entirely right...
Regarding poison golems, I think I've GoR'ed one in some game, and if I recall correctly they get just two misc slots? I admit freely I am not an expert with poison golems, as the few tests I've had with them saw them pass out from fatigue real fast (and even though their poison is a killer even after that, there really isn't that much you can do to prevent getting killed or at least racking up a massive amount of afflictions). Do I remember totally wrong?