I was hoping to find some information on staff/spear skills. I don't really know how to ask in character. I don't really get the spec at all and feel a bit "shafted." Ha.

1. What is the difference between legsweep and trip? Only thing I can tell is very slightly higher damage on legsweep. Are the lags different?

2. Why crescent? Seems to do about the same damage as thrust, but with no neat feint/extra attack. Plus pugil seems stronger and it doesn't even require a specialization.

3. Why misdirect? Same as crescent really, but I'm assuming there is lag involved here? Hard for me to figure that out since mobs don't seem to take lag.

4. In terms of melee offense/defense, is there any difference between staff and spear? Spear obviously has more skill options, so was hoping maybe staff works better with spin or something?

5. Finally, I felt invincible from level 20-30 and then suddenly died a bunch of times. I have 24 dex and 18 str. Is there a tankier spec I could be using to make the climb to max level a bit smoother? Maybe a higher con race with mace/shield or axe/shield?