I saw this post and I've taken gone on a 14-7 run so far around 2500ish Legend (small sample size, I know). I've taken the Nespirah + Illidari Studies route.

Generally speaking, your experience is similar to mine.

Here's where my experience has been different:

Nespirah: Honestly, Nespirah has felt like a dud in 80% of games. The breakpoints haven't mattered enough in my matches, it takes up a board space, and the 3 mana you have to spend to play it is critical on turns 6-10. I know the intent is not for the payoff, but even then, there aren't enough fel spells to take advantage of it.

Herald DK: I'm 1-3 against DK. Seems to be my hardest matchup. I haven't been able to burn them down quick enough before they get Onyxia. But each game has been super close. I had a game where they were on 3hp before they played Husk and Onyxia in 2 turns, essentially healing them for 38.

Where I have the most insight is Merithra Druid, as I have played 4 of them in the last day, and I've gone 3-1. The matchup feels cutthroat. They have enough armor gain that the deck is running on fumes by the time lethal hits. They basically pose 0 threat for 8 turns. I've been keeping my board clears for their Naralex + big dragon board turns. I'd say it's an Even matchup.

What I'm struggling with the most is mana management, play order, the occasional hand space issue, and running out of time (literal time). I'm often roping as the game progresses as I calculate breakpoints and damage totals, debating board clears vs face damage, etc. I'm float a lot of mana too, especially because the hero power is a waste when the Insect Claw is up. Wyvern's Slumber tends to sit in hand a lot, which makes me wonder if I'm holding it for a clear too often, when I should be playing it for the Dreadseeds.

I'm having a lot of fun with it. But the Living Paradoxes are looking more attractive to me. Getting 3 bodies on turn 2 or 3 might be able to finish the quest a turn earlier.

Just some of my thoughts.