Ha! Reminds me of my first RPG. Like what the prior post said, it doesn't matter - especially on easy, needless to say.

In my experience, I started out with a shadow blade character and Mage (elementalist? I think). I had lofty plans for my rogue/wizard/ranger/warlock and he ended up pretty useless for the better half a bad playthrough. I had a story in mind. My story. Personally that's what I think RPGs are about. Not the hardcore stat-boosting and impregnable character builds. Don't take what people say too seriously especially if it stops you from enjoying the game from the start and end up not playing it.

As for my shadow blade, he ended up pretty badass by the end of the game. And in addition, earth spells... Meh.