I've edited the class now, thought for a while about your (and your DMs!) suggestions and honestly couldn't fault them so, taadaa! The requirements look a little more sensible now! Please, please, please let me know how the class goes for you, I'm very intrigued as to how it will perform outside of my control-freak domain!
Next step, much fluff and gumpf!
....and maybe a feat or two....
....and perhaps an item.