If dryads were not skirmishers, i think they would be a solid book, thats the only thing they are missing is a rank and file unit that can win a combat reliably. Then again like you said, wood elf players are finding ways to win without one.
My only gripe about the dwarves is the str5 stone thrower with the re roll rune. especially since you can take 2 of them. I have lost games on turn 1 to them before. They do get a natural dispel, and can generate extra dispel dice, i am fine with all that. Its 3 scrolls and the stealing the dice that gets a bit chincy. I think a new book would solve that, but for time being i would be happy if they just limited them to 1 scroll like everyone else is and let them generate there +3 d dice... idk, i face dwarves almost every week and can count the number of spells i get of in a game on one finger. suicide casting is the only reliable way to get things done it seems and thats not always the best choice.
That empire laser magnifier thing is just plain dumb. whoever designed that has no sense of realism on a fantasy level. If i wanted a laser beam, i would play 40k still