I'll see if I can take a crack at your questions:

1. You'll end up doing both, I'm sure at some point in the game. Some levels you'll use a staf, some wand/sheild. Go with whatever you have access to that has more base damage and primary stats (INT). More damage=bigger hits=better dps

2. I'm not sure of how it is in the beta, but in the full game, once you hit level 10 you'll have access to change your class by speaking to the guildmaster/receptionist in the area for that class. Crafting classes are just like battle classes, they have a primary weapon that you'll eqiup and turn into a crafter, instead of a mage.

3. Sure, during the course of the game, you run across someone who will teach you how to dye. Only some gear can be dyed. Green or blue drops usually cannot. There is a glamor system to, but I'm sure if you search you can find info on that too.

4. Your questing will add up for sure. Try not to buy gear, instead run dungeons when you can, and rerun them to try to eqiup your character, in the long run that will save you a ton! Gathering and crafting can also make a profit too.