Looking for some input on es Sorc gearing.

I know self wield infinity is best bc you get the extra damage and insight merc for survivability. I’m just wondering if you can be viable with infinity merc and no insight? I prefer the stats and freedom gained from not wielding the infinity myself such as more FCR options and more mana pool.

Any ES specs out there not using insight merc and surviving just fine?

the standard infy self-wield build is significantly better than any other options for the reasons you stated. getting 105 fcr shouldn't be hard at all

the only other build to consider is a cmoon build, akin to a standard light sorc build
cmoon
spirit
griffon
eni/viper
mages/frosts
arach
poison res boots/silkweaves
sojs
amu depending on armor/glove choice to reach 105 fcr
infy merc

comparable damage, lower mana pool and worse qol. I see no reason to ever build a nova sorc like this myself but it's the second best option, so if you want to change things up this is the way to go.

Self-wield infinity is much better.

105fcr is achieved with:
Griffons
Vmagi
Magefists (also give mana)
Arach
Either an Ammy with 10fcr (2 Sorc/10fcr or 3 Light/10fcr), or one ring with 10fcr. I prefer an amulet as you don’t really need resists with ES build, and that allows for another SOJ for more mana and skills.

With really any CTA you can have 800+ Life and 2k+ Mana, and basically never die. I have about 10 resists and about -60 Light Res, and only issue is Gloams/Souls. If you’re farming through Worldstone 2, throw on a Wisp Projector and you’ll be fine.