yep, problem is skill, pure and simple. gear is nice, but it means precisely squat if you aren't hitting/hitting for 0. Atma/abyssite will help... in aby, but you REALLY need to get those numbers up. You'll see a world of difference when your weapon's skill is 300+. u said you were working on dark "paper", I'll assume you meant seals so you know that already. Spam stalwart tonics in Aby, they'll help connect, a bit at least. Beseiged is your friend, too.