My god what is the search DC then? a 12 level rogue can see at minimum DC 35, why should it be DC 50?? Seriously how many PCs can detect that high?
There is only so many ability points you can put in WIS and INT when you are making a rogue or they will be terrible combatants, I tried to be decent all around at a lot of things instead of great at any one thing. I just find that everything in this module is balanced for the max. Its like the spot and search checks are always assuming you have alertness and sharp eyes and an ability modifier of +2. And on top of the min-max planning you have kept in mind since the beginning, while you are in the dungeon, put on your search gear and quaff down your fox cunning brew. And then stand around for enough rounds to insure you have rolled high enough. Well, so be it then, I'll leave my rogue to the side while I summon a dire boar to die. The feats are better used on other things in the long run.
Which after having witnessed the reflex DCs of some traps first hand, I find that despite my character eventually having +25 reflex saving throw, I really have to choose improved evasion as one of my 4 bonus feats, so that when i fail (a 33% possiblity at max level), I can survive. The whole set up is just a bit too uber, like a cruel joke. Especially considering the rewards inside the chest of death, and how they are in the middle of dungeons and not a boss treasure room, or anywhere you might assume the chest might be more difficult than the others encountered thus far.
I have to say, and I might have missed one, but I have been playing here a year and to my recollection, Only Suzannah Murphy was straight Rogue that high. If you want to see evidence that something is unbalanced, then that speaks for itself. Its not like Rogue is an unattractive or boring class to play. I have a blast playing mine.