I like the idea of extending the astral construct and the metacreativity specialist in general. that would at least give you a balanced starting point. the extra attack from construct menu B = plated clawbug. So the shaper would mechanically be a psion with the ability to permanantly shape a creation, and a slightly different spell selection and skills. Just change power points to essence, screw spell energy, change psionic, metaphysical, and ectoplasmic to living, shaped, and essence. but having a separate lifecrafter class would also be cool. so like he said, if you have these two big beefy creations, you've only got 5 essence points left over to use, so for the most part you sit in the back, cast the occasional spell, control your critters if they go rogue and use your baton.
on going rogue... say, if the creature drops below 1/2 health, shaper makes a will save to keep under control, and if he fails he can retry each turn or something.
and we definately need a "shape living tool" ritual