Hi, I also have a HCE lvl 50 BM (and our guild has 2 lvl 50 BMs) so hopefully I can be of some help...
First of all, Surge of Rest is ok/decent even at max, but the question is, is it really worth it? I personally didn't go with Surge: I use AoZ rather than AoP (and so does the other 2 BMs in our guild). I find that Surge of Rest doesn't heal fast enough to make it useful (of course just my opinion). Also, to make Surge work, u must use normal attack, which can be a problem when you're facing multiple mobs (when aren't you?). I rather kill ASAP then to get my surge up, using WW/ SS, or SoJ. Also, for a AoZ build, I find that using Surge depletes the mana too quickly (but that is the life of a non-AoP BM build anyways). But the Surges have always been a huge debate...so up to you, if u like it, then cool.
As far as your aura: You should always max out your Primary Aura, why only 6/10 AoP? May I suggest considering AoZ rather? I know AoP sounds nice, cuz you're able to spam your soj/sor or other spammable skills, but you'll find out that later in the game (mob lvl 35ish +), you'll be standing there for hours (exaggerated of course) trying to kill a group of mobs, cuz you're damage is not high enough, though you'll be spaming soj...With AoZ, on the other hand, it's less spamming a particular skill, but they die much faster. For example, in an Essence Cave, u know that middle area with a large group of mobs? I can kill most of them with one skill: WW. Or use sweeping strike & SoJ. Not all the time of course, but certainly I do a grip of damage. Also with AoP, since you won't be killing as fast, that means you'll be taking more damage...which you should try to avoid at all cost (I see u got taunts too, I went the taunt route myself and really enjoy it).
With that said, you should really avoid the Sword/Shield BM build, because as one of the FSS ppl once said about the BMs "The best defense is the Best offense" for BMs. Sure you'll have more def/damage absorb with shield, but you're no guardian, and therefore u don't have the Aura that helps you tank (AoR or AoD). (Don't get me wrong, if you decide to do like lvl 55 moloch maybe you might wanna switch for added defensive, cuz no matter the build, a BM won't be able to take him down quick anyways right...).
SoR 6/10 & SoJ 6/10 : You should really consider picking one and not getting them both. For the most part, SoJ will out damage SoR in the latter stages (meaning it starts off weak, but gets bettter). SoR is single target only, whereas SoJ is an AoE, and it's great for a single target too.
Match Blades: why only 1/8? I guess u can do that if you plan on putting A LOT of stat points into Willpower...but why would ya? I have a hikidas and leg masamune odachi (and a couple of armor that require willpower), and my match blade is maxed, and I am completely maxed on my Will Feed. You'll find that later on, the higher lvl Swords will require a GRIP of willpower...U may want to reconsider this 1/8.
Heaven's Arc: I personally like putting one hard point into this. I know a lot of ppl argue it's a waste, cuz we can just use grappler or jump around (and for the most part it's a sound agrument, and I agree of course to a point). But what happens when you're in a room full of Orbiles/Bile Lords and such? They really hurt us BMs, and to have to constantly switch, wait 3 secs to use grappler, then switch back and kill...and do it again for the rest of the orbiles, is too costly for us. I would never have put a point into this, if it wasn't for the fact that EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SHOCKED, U CAN STILL USE THIS SKILL. and it does an AoE attack.
This post was edited by OnionJuice on Mar 3 2008 07:09pm