Single cd-key solo play Ladder HF rushing works

[Wyrm]

You need to be there for the summoner kill, even though you don't have to actually make it. And I'm pretty sure you can get to the arcane with just the staff, I think I've done that several times.

As for getting through at level 8... I'm trying to remember if you can still buy a high level merc at a low level... well, owell. I know you can get a bunch of jewels of envy and stick them in equipment for a rogue (3 helm, 3 armor, 5 bow) when she's still at a relatively low level (5/6 I think), and that will accomodate some very nice poison damage, enough to take out bosses provided you could keep her alive. Then again, I don't remember if that will work in classic.