My favorite style of Chei statueformers seems to be uncommon, although I can't fathom why. It's clearly superior to all other options. Don't know if you've done it much but if not, go for it.
Works on
nearly any
race. No
really,
anything.
Occasionally you end up not needing the statue form, but take everything else:
http://dobrazupa.org/morgue/tasonir/mor ... 214218.txt (demonspawn with high +AC mutations and torment resistance already baked in, used pearl dragon armor)
http://dobrazupa.org/morgue/tasonir/mor ... 090018.txt (gargoyles don't need statue form, plus I managed to find the orange crystal plate armor)
http://dobrazupa.org/morgue/tasonir/mor ... 071821.txt (vine stalkers are just that good? Dunno, I stuck with blade hands anyways. Blade hands is good too)
Lately I've taken to occasionally starting them off as hunters with slings for an easy early game. Slingers are very easy to get to lair, and once you're in lair, you can go from there. It's always a bit of a gamble as to when you actually find statue form, after all. It's reasonably common as it's in more than one book, but there's always the chance you end up really unlucky.