I agree and you raise very good points about their balancing, I think it’s why, as I’ve gotten better at the game, I’ve started to prefer the ‘weaker’ spirit ashes- like the skeletons, marionette, imp or even Deenah- for the way they act more as supporting fire than just a thing that exists to shoulder the boss’ attention while I mash spells from a safe distance.
Guys sorry I need to come clean.
I hate spirit summons. They're one of the worst additions to souls formula ever.