Wow, I've had the exact opposite experience. I'm making money hand over fist with Truegold and my 10 max level alchemists. I always stock up on my mats during the week, first thing in the morning, since that's when they are always cheapest. Things go for 10g more a pop by the end of the day.

I've got a totally viable team, and it's 5 different classes. Saying only Pally / Shammy is viable is not true. It takes a little more creativity, but it's definitely doable.