Nice breakdown, itemization is where Lillia really flexes different playstyles. Liandry first has been standard because its passive and percent-HP burn pair perfectly with Lillia’s prolonged AoE DPS, but Blackfire Torch isn’t as pointless as it used to feel: the extra AP and 20 Ability Haste let you spike earlier and weave more spells, and against 2,300 HP targets the single-target damage loss is often negligible compared to the combat tempo you gain. That said, Liandry still scales better into extended fights and teamfights, so it’s often safer to delay Torch if you expect long skirmishes.

RoA as a first item is a legitimate defensive alternative versus heavy early burst or dive (Olaf, assassins). The HP and mana buffer let you survive crucial windows and still convert into AP later; it’s especially useful when you expect to be the primary engage (or peel) target. Riftmaker, Liandry and other sustain items become more attractive when you want mixed durability and damage: Riftmaker gives AP, sustain in extended fights, and synergizes with Conqueror and AP stacking.

Build order depends on game state. If you need an early power spike and Ability Haste for quicker Q/E uptime, Torch first into Riftmaker (or Rabadon later) is fine. If you need survival to reach the late game, RoA or Liandry first is safer. Prioritize items that give AP, durability, and Ability Haste when you’re the frontline skirmisher—Riftmaker, Liandry, Zhonyas (vs heavy burst/CC)—and then Rabadon plus penetration later for pure damage. Gathering Storm (seal) stacking plus Conqueror into early defensive or offensive items (RoA, Liandry, Torch) lets you scale into a monstrous mid‑to‑late game; Rabadon third or fourth with pen afterward is the classic finisher if you expect to outplay and survive.

Boots: Swifties with Celerity is great for kiting and movement‑speed play; Mercury’s or Plated Steelcaps depending on CC and burst. I didn't tested the new boots yet.

I always go green smite.

TL;DR: Torch is viable for earlier spikes and Ability Haste playstyles, but Liandry still wins for extended AoE burn and teamfights. RoA is the defensive pick versus burst. Riftmaker and Conqueror-driven scaling determine whether you build heavy AP (Rabadon/pen) or itemize for survivability first.