Empress vs Duchess

I've been maining Spirit Empress for about 2 months now, and while I really like her ceiling, I'm starting to wonder if I'm making things harder than they need to be.

One issue I keep running into is the early game. I'd say in at least 1 out of every 3 matches I just can't get a decent start. Either my opening shop is awkward or I struggle to stabilize before taking too much damage, even when I think I'm making the correct decisions.

For those of you playing at high trophies: do you think Empress is still worth sticking with over Dagger Duchess?

Or is Duchess simply more consistent because her early game is so much stronger?

I'd especially love to hear from players who've put serious time into both rulers. What made you choose one over the other?

Ps. Stucked at 3200/3300