Rager is prep on easy mode, but non-rager can get more protections, and then add on top of those protections spells like flight, pass door, frenzy, resist mental, wands, etc. Sure, it takes time, but I know of enough stoneskin with no bad side effects that are easy enough to get as a hero, throw on ethos protection, poppy seed, and any other protection you decide to throw in there, and you're better off than resist, but with the benefit of recalling and using healers.