I didn't really have much xp with the witch or the Oracle, I did have fun playing My shaman, with little quirks, he was stone/life with improved farmlier for the earth elemental,only problem I had with some of the abilities was the scaling on the acid touch and because he is a party buffer and enemy hinder, felt that a stone hex could/should be movement hindering.
I liked having a pet, and the elemental worked great! I miss a few spells in the spell list, but will have to make do, I do agree, that life also could use some healing love?