The Optimized Party?

[Eldariel]

There is a place for a rogue in an optimized party. As a 1-level dip for trapfinding and 1d6 SA. Maybe 2 levels if you want non-magical evasion and aren't getting it from another source. Assuming that you don't just go for a cleric with the kobold domain, of course.

To reiterate, both Beguiler & Artificer get Trapfinding on level 1, so if you really, really want a Trapfinder, get one of those (although getting an Artificer automatically makes the party much, much better anyways which is why I keep specifying it as the optimal trapfinder - you aren't taking it for Trapfinding, you're taking it for Good Stuff™ and get Trapfinding as a bonus). Why else would they be considered replacements? They beat out Cloistered Cleric by the virtue of being naturally Int-based, although I wouldn't hold the extra Cleric against you either (since Clerics kick ass).