It would be nice to regenerate. The reason I didn't choose it as a skill, was that I guessed I would
have to 'stack it like crazy', if it were to do any good. Basically, I chose the 'life leech path' instead!

I
have checked out the malachite veins in the walkthroughs (but thanks for the tip!). And I do the 'save and reload' dance whenever I find a vein. But I don't have the patience to squeeze out
two gems every time - that would take, like, forever.
When it comes to enchantments I prefer to straightaway increase normal and magic damage for weapons, and to protect myself evenly from all kinds of damage when it comes to armour. (And now you probably think, 'well,
d'uh,' - but I have heard that a lot of people prefer the more "specialized" enchantments, such as life line or increased mana. Maybe that is a better choice?)
It sounds fun playing a mage with high levels in ranged magic attacks. I only have one ranged magic power - namely, burning arrows - and I chose that one over fireball simply because it was something different. I use it mainly to soften up enemies and get their attention, before I rush in and cut them to ribbons. Being able to kill everyone in sight simply by looking at them and saying 'Burn', must be convenient!