As you know I've been looking at this a lot harder lately, so my initial critique has changed a bit
2. I didn't see it as favoring Dex, more just leveling the playing field without a spell tax. Like a barbarians Unarmored Defense, you can wear armor or not, depending on your build/flavor(although this isn't around Dex). The point being, the barbarian has a feature that he may not use - dealers choice. An Unarmored Defense option that either Str or Dex based characters could use is what I was after(I used 13+Int). Plate armor is restricted to Str 15, so Dex needs something that can level the playing field imo. I think something based on Int would therefore stay neutral.
4. Changed my mind about the group buff aspect, it still fits the Channeling vibe.
5. Not necessarily spells, but effects. I liked the 4e Swordmages shielding ward. If you are using a one-handed weapon, +3 AC, two-handed weapon, +1 AC. The feature adapted to the user. They were also leather armor only. I prefer a class that has the option to build to your playstyle, using a common flavor(sword and spell). So a 4e Swordmage(light armored, Dex, one-handed weapon) could be a valid option, or a big plate wearing, halberd swinging arcane knight.
6. Yes, spell list needs to be limited, we just disagree on what fits combat/exploration
7. Uninspired, I like that term
I'm having the same issue.
8. I keep seeing Spellsword as a remake of Swordmage, I think its clouding my judgement
The different "Paths" were secondary roles to tanking, and I liked that structure. Channelling is the versatile control option, Aegis of Shielding is a great protection path, and Aegis of Assault was the damage path(usually a two-handed weapon). For that reason, having Shielding and Assault in the same path feels a bit strong.