All work but both the group and individual skill level increases as one moves towards stam melee. So, if a player has things like unchained, flawless, and HM DLC trials under belt melee would be just fine. But if the player is not close to that, it would be an easier progression using a ranged mag build.

Meleeing orbs is beyond dicey imo (not including silver shards bc "mele" is in all caps), and you'd have to move stacks to creepers in execute. That would add a significant layer of difficulty.

No range in AS could probably be done but range really helps. I notice the low range of Scorch in AS. Group kite coordination and general raid awareness would have to be more on point as melee's would not be able to hug lane's as often as ranged.

AS - melee can be more challenging due to having to worry about more mechanics potentially than if you are ranged but it can still be done. It can be frustrating having to move around so much with protectors ect and doing dmg to the minis at times but with an experienced group no issue.

CR - stam is definatly viable, more so than AS just some mechanics like orbs and crystals to some degree are more suited to a mag setup but it doesnt mean stam cant do them.