farming with a blader is a bad idea.
chains as chaud said are good for leveling. Knockdowns are great for giants so no one can steal it ^_^ (except other swords/bladers)
fire imbue, dont get ice buffs. its just way too much sp. Your a blader, you have more defence than everyone already, with the ability to block. Not only that, STR allows u to have enough more physical defence. My suggestion, to battle nukers, get Fire defensive buff... it helps vs nukers!
5) not really, your damage output isnt that much.
6) smash? is that the knockdown + stab your talking about? if so yes, if not, no
7) not really... it might help a little, but unless you have an overload of sp, dont get it

yes. it helps you become immune to ice later.
9) 10th level maybe not, but its a good idea to get some into it