Actually, Alchemist Apprentice took something like 600XP or so. Mercenary took about 1300XP. I may have the numbers wrong, but the proportions are about right. VERY unbalanced. As for trappings, Yeah, I'm making then do that too.
Has your GM given any magic items yet?? I have yet to give anyone anything accept a potion. The way the books are written, it makes it seem as if magic is incredibly rare now.
Gabriel