In a post elsewhere Jason hinted that part of the Inquisitor play test may actually be for the cavalier, which is a great idea. It tests out the mechanics of a certain different groups of abilities to see which actually works better, with the better of them possibly being used in both classes albeit with different nuances.
Along these lines I would like to see the eidolon type customization cross over to the alchemist. I like that the alchemist can already focus his research in a particular direction refining his bombs or mutagens to become his primary offensive form, but I would like to see personalized recipes. I think it would be interesting if every level the alchemist received so many research points, and they could use those points to refine their own personal elixir. Their elixirs, like eidolons would have basic forms bombs, mutagens, or enhancement, from there however the alchemist could add his own twists to his creations to personalize them to his needs. This is after all at the very heart of alchemy.
I would break from the eidolon format in one regard. I would allow the alchemist to conclude one recipe and move on to others. If a recipe ever gets to the point that the alchemist doesn't want to add any more to it, he can move on and start on another. All the research points used on the original are permanently used up, and the alchemist cannot add to or take away from it once he has finalized his creation.
Anyway I think this would be yet another way to customize the alchemist, and it utilizes the evolution point system, which I think is a really great idea and should be spread around to other classes.
You know, I have to agree. I like the bombs, but the discoveries to improve them are too few and far between. While there is something to be said to just tossing grenades left and right, sometimes you want to pause and design the right tool for the job.
My inspiration is the character Vincenzo "Vinny" Santorini from disneys atlantis the lost empire. He carried a variety of explosives for every situation, from cherry bombs to dynamite.
Oh and I have seen in other posts how the selfish nature of the alchemists bothers some people. I think it is interesting flavor, but for those people who want to play a more group oriented character, I think there could be certain recipe adaptations to give them to other people. I think that keeps the initial flavor the designers wanted, but allows customization for others who want to role play a different kind of alchemist.