Questions from a returning player

I have read the returning players guides and am well on my way to getting up to speed. I still have some questions though.

First, I was unable to get Decal/Vtank to work. It just crashes my game so I have decided to not use it......the biggest problem I have is buffing myself and using the in game map. It's tiny and hard to see....does anyone have any alternatives?

Second...my original toon from 2000 made it to level 77. I was UA/Life/Item. I want to stick with the UA/Melee style so does anyone have a good template? I can change my skills around (I have like 15 modification gems). My current toon is spec in Arcane Lore and Melee Defense. Trained in Heavy weapons, magic defense, missile defense, Item magic and Life magic. I am thinking of adding weapon tinker and creature magic......does anyone have any suggestions for a full melee/UA build with self buffs/solo ability?

Third, with the changes to weapon skills I have a mix of light/heavy/ua weapons and after looking through them all it seems my best one is a "retired" weapon...the peerless atlan claw of black fire. How good is this weapon for a returning player ..will this carry me through or is it really outdated now? I looked through the wikkia site and it seems that the damage of it might actually still make it viable to use?? I have all the major elemental stones so I can swap them in and out as needed I think...its been many years so I am not sure.

Any suggestions are appreciated....