I’m playing softcore but I think it’s useable in hardcore. But when you’re leveling or don’t have much paragon, using Squirt’s is quite risky. I’ve been killed in T16 by those fat guys in Act 5 that throw cold balls of energy and lay down cold streaks on the ground when I’ve been unprepared. That’s with my build though.
I think if you kept most vitality, the gizzard would be a boon for Hardcore. That’s just my opinion though.