I just started playing FFXIV yesterday and I'm a bit confused on what all I should be doing. After leveling several classes a few levels I decided I liked the damage caster type the most (still not sure if I like this character though). I'm not sure where I should be putting my points when I level...

I had a few general questions about mages and some game features if you guys could help me out a bit.

1. What should my points go into?
2. What would an end game BLM have their points in?
3. Will I be able to change points later if I mess up?
4. At what level should I start trying to find parties?
5. Could I solo all the way to max as a THM/BLM?
6. I haven't been able to access an inn in Ul'dah (I'm guessing it's a moghouse?)
7. I've noticed a lot of characters that have matching hair to their AF gear, is there a way you can change hairstyles after character creation or something?
8. Should I be buying equipment from vendors or through the marketplace? (I'm not sure if vendor gear is really worth anything like in other MMOs)


I'm sorry for all the questions (I actually have a lot more), there is just a huge learning curve to the game as someone that has never read about it or kept up with it. When I Google something it only gives results from 2010 about things that are no longer relevant.