On what sources or calculations are your reservations about non-critting Marksman skills based on? I'd think that the developers did that for a reason, like that critting Marksman skills would be overpowered, as
this Reddit thread suggests.
I also can't affirm your impression that staffs don't do decent damage. In our group Jahan is quite a heavy hitter with Staff of Magus, as is my Inquisitor with dual-wielded wands, as long as enemies don't have resistances against the respective elements. Knowing them in advance is what Loremaster 2 is for.
The important point is: We never optimized much but we still get by quite nicely with some tactics and preparations, many times even without them. So, as long as you don't plan to play on Tactitian or Honor difficulty I can't understand what's stopping you from just play and make further decisions on the way.
What abilities do you plan for your second character, by the way?
