Early-level Flailing in SCS Illithid-land (spoilers)

Whelp, a word (or more) of advice: when running SCS, it's a bit (and by "a bit" I mean "very") challenging to do the Illithid City when you (and by "you" I mean "I") rush to save Imoen and end up between levels 11 and 13 when the mind flayer antics begins. I had 4 Chaotic Commands for the entire city (2 memorized and both came back after Wondrous Recall). I used up almost every spell I had, was down to around 10 potions, and was scrounging around in scroll cases for help. The entire party was exhausted thanks to multiple (and by "multiple" I mean "4+") meth injections (and by "meth injections" I mean "castings of haste"). I almost gave up a few times, but never flipped from core to story mode. I'm still in partial disbelief that I made it out, but by the end Nalia was waving the monster summoning wand like crazy and Jaheira had used up 3 Raise Deads and 4 Heals from the Rod of Resurrection. I was even trying out Slayer Form to clear some rooms but always failed with it. That damage timer is rough.

Next time I decide to rush to Imoen, remind me to get an extra level or two first. Thanks in advance.

Am I really about to jump into the Beholder Caves? Sure! Why not!