I do that quest for some extra xp and the silence effect on it can be useful.
They still could give an option, to upgrade the Sussur weapons...i mean, up to Act 3 the enemies get stronger and stronger and it still stays only+1...
Regarding Nere, i always let him go for my bard main, then cast Thunderwave each time he gets close enough with his shiels of screams. Then i just push him away or use repelling balst on him. The trick that worked for me is: Just don't let Nere get too close.^^
