Regarding GWM, before you dismiss it, try it out. In my experience, it's amazing.
Granted, you can't just run in and hit everything without thinking. You have to play with a bit of tactics. Make sure you use bless, get a plus 1 weapon, and if possible use things like faerie fire and invoke duplicity on the harder enemies.
But mostly, pay attention to the vision cones and position yourself so that you can hide. Then hit.
I was absolutely against the idea of a minus five myself until I decided to try it out.
