Ruby in Act 2

So just killed a boss where I needed to pick up a ruby (quest drop), so I did. Was given a new quest segment to go talk to someone to help build the horn. But I dallied, went to town and worked on gear. When the portal evaporated so did the quest item I had in inventory. Now I have to go back and do that stupid long boring dungeon again, and take a chance it will drop the ruby again -- probably not since they fixed the "drop twice" capability.

Besides the fact all the fights feel exactly the same - this last one felt like I was fighting the D3 boss Belial - the game is getting pretty boring.

Even gaining levels is not helping. Seems I can't create a gem based firebolt. So I have to use a game limiting staff to do damage (trust me, I've tried all the other spells available and none work as well for clearing mobs). I can't even equip my spirit buffing mace because I lose my main/filler attack. And I can't use a fireball until something like level 30 (a long haul from level 24).

Please, no "git guud" rants back at me; The game allows me to play a fire sorc so I am playing a fire sorc. And I am a caster, aka I play distance - I do not want to be a melee barbarian equivalent and hammer and shield bash mobs - yet it seems I'll be forced into that play style to progress. So much for promises to play it your way.