I haven't changed anything on my character, but thanks! Definitely feel like I need to spread out on the tree, especially to grab less convenient +life nodes.

Thx on the advice on the 'wheels', I'll examine those.

Ritual has been fantastic for gearing! I pass them by until I kill the boss for the atlas clear bonus, then go back and clear them all, just in case the boss is rippy, but I don't skip them for sure.

I use Neversink semi-strict HC filter, even though I'm not playing HC. I'm not comfortable customizing it just yet.

I checked in my hideout and granite gives 2220 armor, enough for 17% damage reduction. Not bad, but I definitely think the better option is to grab more life. The change of flasks will definitely be examined.

I was trying to go solid green gems, but I'll look to see if there are any knockback or taunt options within reach, I hadn't considered either.

So glad I reached out, people here have been SO much nicer than in-game.