Elite Arcanist + Death Denied

[LinkCelestrial]

The question is, if I exile {Death Denied} can I pay for the spell instead of casting it for free, allowing me to adjust the X cost? I'm asking cause it says "you may cast the copy without paying its mana cost". Does that imply that I'm right in thinking that I could pay its mana cost?

I'm asking cause I made an arcane deck and on occasion {Death Denied} is my only option for {Elite Arcanist} (being as I try to keep as many {Glacial Ray}s in hand as possible). I'm thinking that it'd be a better idea if what I'm thinking is true. Basically,

Cast {Elite Arcanist} exiling {Death Denied}.
Pay {2} and tap {Elite Arcanist} to copy {Death Denied}, then pay {X}{B}{B} and grab {X} creatures out of graveyard.

If that works then could I go,

Cast {Elite Arcanist} exiling {Death Denied}.
Pay {2} and tap {Elite Arcanist} to copy {Death Denied}, then pay {1}{B}{B} to grab a creature out of my graveyard, splice on {Glacial Ray}.
Stack {Glacial Ray} ontop of {Death Denied}, killing {Elite Arcanist} then grabbing him back with {Death Denied}.

I'm assuming that when you splice arcane you can chose what order the effects happen in?

If anybody is interested I'll post my arcane deck later (in casual) and go over all the tech. It's a pretty synergetic deck that really confuses people, it's really slow but once it gets rolling you can be burning for 2+, drawing cards and killing off creatures every turn, for the rest of the game.

[Ekann1]

No, you can't pay for the spell. Sounds like a fun deck though.

Relevant Gatherer rulings.

7/1/2013   If the copied card has {X} in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as its value when casting the copy. Don't confuse that {X} with the {X} in the activation cost of Elite Arcanist's ability.

[LinkCelestrial]

Damn. That woulda been really fun. Guess {Reach Through Mists} is still the best exile. :/ Thanks.

The deck is super fun but I don't know how to keep it alive or ramp it out. Currently it's a multiplayer/two headed giant deck. I'll post it just cause I'm sure somebody else will have some helpful ideas.