AND I have a newb question! If I equip my main weapon slot with, say, a pick axe for mining, how DO I level it up? Leveling up seems to be fighting and killing things, soooo... how does this work?

Next, as befits my experiences elsewhere, my thought is towards that which I can make food & potions to support myself in fighting... so Alchemist first. Then should my gathering be Botanist/Fisher to get mats for Alchemy? For buff food, Culinarian which I assume is supported by those 2 Gathering abilities.

Lastly, I DO hear a lot going for being able to make one's own gear... curious if y'all think this is more important to work on then what I think I want to work on (detailed above)?