I entirely agree.
I like the status change because I feel that in a frame of element switching like chroma the unique aspects of each element should really stand out and status does that but it cant remain this lock down ability.
There is allot they could do with spectral scream to take chroma in different directions.
Aggregating suggestions I've seen and my own there is:
An exalted weapon like a flame thrower
A burst damage ability either a radial or bomb style attack
Combining it with effigy making it a summon that does the breath attack for you
a buff that