For the armor/helmet, is it better to get a UV that has a status resistance (shock, fire, etc.) or defense against damage types (shadow, elemental, etc.)?

I'm currently playing sword-only, but I want to change it as soon as possible.
My current loadout is the following:
Ash Tail Cap + Coat
Dark Thorn Shield
Avenger (UV construct low)
Faust
Vile Striker

and I'm working on this:
Grey Feather Cowl (already got Magic Hood UV Stun med)
Skolver Coat
Barbarous Thorn Shield (+ any fireproof shield for FSC)
Divine Avenger
Not sure about other weapons.

I thought about Storm Driver and Valiance, but I couldn't make a choice. I'm totally missing piercing damage, but I actually don't need it.

As I felt that it needed its own thread, I took this data from the other thread for use here. Post what you guys think needs to be balanced and when discussed, it will be posted on here. I might have this moved to Arsenal later on if needed.

Personally, I really think the energy costs should be changed, Not all equipment should necessarily be equal, but if no one uses anything but the best equipment, because it's just as pricey as the sucky equips, well, what was the point of making the other stuff in the first place?

So I have reached Tier 3 and started gathering UV gear (Helm & Armor). I have already acquired some High Ele and Pierce UVs for two separate sets, but want to know if I should pair it with Normal Def UVs (Example: 1 Ele and 1 Normal for one set). I know that in T1 and T2, mobs do normal dmg, but what about Tier 3? Some people/topics have said Tier 3 damage is pure Ele, Pierce, or Shadow, but I have noticed that some of damage is still Normal. So are Normal Defense UVs still viable in T3? Thanks!

Which one is best? I am having a tough time deciding...
and what is the difference

And which way should I go? Shadow or Elemental. (I am getting a Normal type regardless)

I've been trying to figure out on my own testing and i'm not sure really so looking for input in the subject.

Say i just crafted a 4 star sword, would leveling it's heat go faster if i wear all 2-star items that are level-10-complete, so all of the heat i gather is funneled into that one item, or will it level at the same rate as if i wear 2 other 4-star items and go through and gather heat and level all at the same time?

My question is why alot of peoples use Gran Faust. I mean it has slow combo attack ( the noncharge) and the charge may curse you >.< .So what is the point of using that weapon . Soon im gona get Sealed sword and im thinking for what to go , Gran faust or Devine avenger . So can ya guys explain me for what Gran Faust is usefull for ?

http://wiki.spiralknights.com/Clockworks

The above states that 3-star (5-10) items have a -2 penalty to health bonuses.

Does this apply to scarlet shield, making it entirely useless in T1 after it hits level 5?

Do they actually do anything?

I've always wondered, since you can't get a status with a shield up (not counting grievers).
and even with a shield up it doesn't reduce the effect of status effects.

or does your shield take even less damage against something that would inflict that status?

I was thinking about getting a swiftstike since I have a DA and GF but since I already got vogskolver I dunno. I got a GoS and VPS already if that helps.