Hmm... Doing pretty well this run, but am low on medkits... and armor... and have the option of going to the Spider Lair.
Do I even have a CHANCE of winning? IDK if I can pull it off. I don't like skipping levels tho :( Decisions decisions... I DO know I have no interest in the BFG.
Without sufficient dodgechance and a good eye for enemy AI, as well as the ability to run for one of the teleporters and clear out the area, you can pretty much expect to take a few direct arachnotron volleys (1d5x5 plasma damage with great accuracy) to the face. If you can handle that and then keep the rest at bay dealing with them one at a time or something, go for it.
As for the BFG, I have to agree with you there - it seems pretty lackluster unless you can get the assembly for the Biggest Fucking Gun.
In regards to skipping levels - you WILL have to get used to this at some point. The Mortuary will kill you dead unprepared and put simply, you won't be able to clear the Unholy Cathedral on a pisto-
Cyberdemon suicided, lol. Rocket to the wall from point blank range. Thought I was OK until I hit the Unholy Catherdral... And didn't know my frickin' guns wouldn't fire until I was surrounded by lost souls. Seriously, WTF?
Yup, you found out the hard way.
The Unholy Cathedral is a melee-only level. Without a super secret strategy and generally being awesome, there's no way to get through it (Bar invunerability and a thermie or 10 invunerability packs next to the stairs down) without some level of melee competency.
As for the Mortuary? Let's just say that you'd be better off hitting those lost souls with your fists. Ha ha ha...