It is terrible, just like 75% of all talents.
Really, there's only a handful of them that make an actual noticable impact on your gameplay, and Larian has had every opportinity to balance them (mind you, most of them are untouched from DOS:1) but have thus far opted not to do so for some reason.
I totally agree. Except for Lone wolf, hot head, savage sortilege, the pawn or executioner, duck duck goose, far out man, Opportunist (and Pet pal because you don't have a choice...), the other talents are really underwhelming or even borderline crappy...
Picture of health is also very good lategame, where it can easily add an extra 40-50% HP.
What a rush is situational, but when it procs it actually makes a difference. Atleast I was pretty happy with it as a 4th talent, but I would obviously never pick it over the ones you listed (except Savage Sortilege if I wasn't using magic).
Mnemonic is pretty good early on, atleast on a non-LW team (where bigger is better gives 4, rather than 2, attribute points) if you feel like you need the extra skills.
Elemental affinity is also very good, if you actively use it to your advantage. This is especially true for hydro and necro, that have an easy time creating non-harmful surfaces for you to stand on.
And finally Bigger is better and all skilled up aren't terrible choices either, especially all skilled up with thievery since its value increases exponentially, allowing you access to some of the best gear in the game... you can say that it indirectly makes you stronger.
