Returning to the matter at hand: what is the chance of switching drains to an AAO-based approach? Would the trader still keep the extra skills?
Based off the skill requirements for the Greed of the Xan, I'd imagine that either the trader would need some serious shotgun buffs, or the shotguns would need to get the support profession treatment (seriously lowered requirements).
I'd vote for the second option - might make it feel less like we have to get all drains going before launching an alpha ...