If they "tried" Chemist and it became Sage because they couldn't reasonably make a [Mix] and [Stash] (non-consuming items,i.e. normal actions) action set, then no offense they either were:
1.) Playing it way too safe with job design like usual
2.) Are too stubborn to accept a version of Chemist that isnt functionally similar to non-XIV variants of the job (hello Blue Mage)
3.) Are unironically lacking the creativity to design the job - which blows my mind considering how one could pick parts of past FF titles and even Bravely/Octopath titles and check for any item based job there.
NIN has mudras, which are essentially Mix but for Ninja. PCT proves you can have long gcd casts not doing damage as long as the resulting potencies after are good enough. And if you want oGCD mix, once again old Mudras, but could make it so you prep the steps like with buffs.
Here some Mix things to consider:[Editor's Note]
- [Stash] is a command series in FF 10-2 for the coresponding Chemist job that allows the player to use items at no cost to their actual arsenal, but had long cast times rather than instant + it wouldn't interact with passives that boosted regular items
[Effect] Curing reagent, harming reagent, debilitating reagent, boosting reagent (they dont share CD)
[Range] Condensing solution (single target), scattering solution (AOE circle), volatile solution (line / cone AOE)
[Duration] Dilute (weaker, but long lasting), Capsule (triggers after some time after ingestion), "Syringe" (instant application)
[Extra] Purify (simple effect, strong with no extras), <something for bonus effects>
I just scribbled this down in like 10min. As for Stash, imagine having your Cure II equivalent be Stashed Hi-Potion (MP cost included), Raise is Stashed Phoenix Down, Medica is Stashed Mega potion etc. Hell you can make mix just modify stash actions too. So if I hear "we tried" like no offense you didnt try hard enough.