Just to clarify .... they are tier 2 alchemical earth/air, which i mentioned previously, and haven't said anywhere they were tier 1. I said i cant be bothered typing out the full spec so sure things could be assumed.. but instead of assuming then taking that assumption to a conclusion that was wrong you could have just asked.
The lightning strikes feel like they go off more than a lit 2 GS weapon. The earthgrab goes off ALL the time ... on a 14 second dummy takedown they always go off at least once and sometimes 3 times. I do not use them for stunning. I use them for trash and in fire stance (that useless stance you mentioned) I get my full heal amp and 3's and 7's using my alchemical's.
Fire stance - when I need max self heal and increased strength for more dmg and to hit.
Earth stance - increase crit mult, more hp and damage mitigation
water stance - inc wis, inc saves, for stunning and thousand stars/manyshot
Also I am trialing what works and what doesn't, I may LR again once I have finished testing what works well and what doesn't.
Thanks - good luck with your builds - I'll keep posting feedback.