At first I thought it was a translation issue (Elder = Veteran) but then I notice he has a very Anglo name and lives in AZ.
So, that oddness put aside, for #1-4 it really depends on if you are a min/max type of player, or a casual player. GW2 is designed for the casual, but there are plenty of min/maxers who try to make the game so easy that it plays itself. If you are that type of player, you will be best served doing an internet search for "GW2 meta builds" (http://www.bing.com/search?setmkt=en-US&q=GW2+meta+builds) and you will find the best builds for X type of gameplay. (afaik, Ranger is not one of the "meta classes", so you might have a difficult time finding a "best build" for Ranger.)
Also keep in mind that these meta builds are situational.
GW2 is very much about personal play-style, so its best to first decide on a weapon set that you really like and feel comfortable with, then build on that. It requires a lot of trial and error, for both PVE and WvW. I'd recommend spending levels 1-60 trying out different things, then 61-80 narrowing down the build that you like the best and then playing with the math one you hit 80.
Honestly, its just a matter of being pointed in the right direction, then figuring out your best build on your own. Do you need several sets of gear? Personally, I do not, but others swear by keeping bags full of gear sets.
For #5, Fog answered that the best.
IMO, if you want to get more involved, its as easy as just trying. Raidcall is a good start, but so is guild chat. (Of course this is coming from someone who plays it aloof, mysterious and always against the grain. ;) )
» Edited on: 2014-03-21 04:11:39