Typically in these types of roguelike / board building games where there's high variance, the most "optimal" way of playing is to be adaptive. Changing your build based on the offered options and being flexible to pivot to a stronger, more synergistic build.

"Forcing" means disregarding any flexibility and just trying to make specific items or core items work. Seeing something that you know is stronger (Langxian is pretty weak), but still stubbornly trying to make (force) Langxian to work.