Might be better off climbing as feeder on a different toon. Will let you still climb to earn fg/get gps. Wanna somewhat plan ahead here. Daggers can be used after pally so if you save up can buy those to fill that gap.
Sammy can use daggers or swords, both types. So gear is based on that. Dex for daggers, str for swords.
Can still wear heavy so if you have ee armor that's ok. Daggers can get very expensive.
Solo climbing I go twohit till 55% then run the rest as salvation with heal charm in acc slot. Sometimes I get retribution but I use swords and at times it's left much to be desired.
Haven't group climbed in a bit but multi is the skill to get there for sure.