Insight is cheap, Willund. I've seen a few of your posts lately re: a new hc char. If you're playing on useast hcl, then I'll hook you up with an insight, etc. However, even a hammerdin will suck if he doesn't have decent gear.
As far as making a char that relies on skills instead of gear and doesn't die a lot... I suggest a sorc. Sorc's own norm and nm with skills alone. All you would need is resistence and life. As far as the not dying part... that depends on your personal skills/judgement/strategy. Know when to drink pots, when to tp out, how to tele and cast, jump, flip, duck, roll, haha... you get the point. Plus being that it's your 1st hc char, you'll want a sorc for some mf.