I was a frustrated noob and sucked when I posted. AoE dmg is definitely a big deal in Act 1 and gear is extremely important. My guys were 3/4 naked and what not dropping like flies. You can't do that at all in this game and even 1-2 level diff in gear can be a big deal.
Currently running two summoners a geo and pyro. Awesome group but I wish had made my summoners the utility skill guys and my mages with a different element because you run into scenarios where the whole boss fight against your elements or damage type and it makes impossible to beat. slowly buying scrolls for the other toons now.