Robotbees the build you need is es/telek/orb/(watever skill warmth or ice bolt) sorc for meph. That is what most hardcore ppl use for mephisto for non botters and that what a lot of ppl started with at hc. I still use my sorc when seas#2 started and is doing great.

My advice is based on botting...

Even Pindles minions will occasionally survive a Blizzard or Charge before you drop it.

Meph, you should be able to dodge fairly well, unless it's a Bot. Then block is VERY, VERY important.

The sorc build is actually viable for botting as well as few hc ppl bot with my build of sorc at meph and pindle. I know andariel will be a pain to bot with that sorc tho.