I've been stuck on level 5 for a week unable to advance while I wait for chest ransack timer to expire. Trying to get (need to get!) bottle of smoke from home of memory. I ransacked the chest to the point where it is empty and gives no items but bottle of smoke has not yet dropped. I have two banked levels and completed all quests at level 3. There is nothing to be gained from running any quest (why risk it?) so just waiting for timer to run out.
All this is to say: can we just turn-off chest ransack in hardcore server for next time?
Also, what about a /chestransack command that displays timers for chests. It will not matter if the chest identifier is a meaningless text string. If you have ransacked a chest, you will very likely know exactly which it is and don't need the descriptor name to be specific. We just need to know when the thing started so that we can plan accordingly. This is especially frustrating when trying to sprint along in a short two-month season
I feel you pain.
Personally I'd prefer non-chase equipment items in leveling content to be more deterministic. Ideally without farming. More items in optionals, end rewards etc...
Not going to hold my breath for a change either. Re-rolls I imagine are a significant source of income SSG. Though if someone told me that ransack's intent now is a responsible move I'd be forced to consider it. A blessing to curb excessive spending at this point for those vulnerable.
Still don't like it though.
But my dislike for ransack pails in comparison to running a quest multiple times for more chances.
That being said, my recommendation is to move on. Smokescreen is a nice to have effect, but it is a replaceable effect. For those looking for more sources from items (assuming class, enhancement, and feat and epic destiny options are not available)...
https://ddowiki.com/page/Category:Concealment_items
However, my bigger recommendation is to pick up
Voice of the Master. In this hardcore, it'll be the better trinket in my opinion and its 100% guaranteed to drop. Easily obtainable at lv5 by running casual. I ran it twice this season and picked up the
Epic Version for epic's and reapers. Easily one of my better decisions.
Either way, good luck and stay safe out there.