I'm currently undecided if her synergy with wheel effects are strong enough to give her a slot in the list

What would you replace Twister with in your list?

Ilnez Diminishing Returns

Is there a benefit to playing Starstorm instead of Rolling Earthquake ? Even though it cost an additional red Mana it is an instant speed response to creatures. With the option to cycle if you need to early on and cast it again later if needed.

What are your thoughts of these lands and mana rock in the deck?

• Soldevi Excavations

• Thawing Glaciers

• Reliquary Tower

• Darkwater Catacombs

• Reflecting Pool

• Thought Vessel

Soldevi Excavations and Thawing Glaciers are too slow for the deck. You can not afford to play lands that don't tap for mana right away. Reliquary Tower just makes c-mana, which is a bit risky when you run a low land count (Ancient Tomb is an exception, since it makes 2 mana, which is too good). You could consider Reflecting Pool and Darkwater Catacombs as a budget option, if you're looking to run Tainted Pact and do not have all fetchlands + old duals. Thought Vessel is not a Tier1 mana rock, since it only taps for c-mana (Signets + Talismans are better). And it's handsize effect is not so relevant for Kess. We can play most spells with Kess if they are in our GY anyways. Hope that thelps.