- Is Samurai the best class
There isn't any "best" job outside of soloing things, where it's either Machinist, Warrior, Red Mage, or Blue Mage dependant on what exactly is being talked about. It's still a great job, though.

- Are there any active free companies recruiting?
Ask that in Shout Chat (/sh) in Limsa Lominsa. You're guaranteed to get an invite or ten.