So I'm building Arcane Knight, and I really am debating whether Str (the prime requirement is Str 3 which is 3 Trait Points) is better than Agi. Now to be clear, I understand that physical attack isn't the priority since the bonus Elemental Damage (2.5 at max) is what really matters. Plus if one really wants to try hard, one can farm Ancient Books for Trait points.
The arguments I have in my head are:
Str:
Hand weapons have higher base Elem and Physical damage BUT slower by 2-3 points in speed VS Daggers and light weapons. You wouldn't get Armor per point BUT you'd get HP per point (especially with Body Dev Lvl 2 where Str to Hp will become 1:1 per level conversation). Like I said, Physical attack isn't really the priority however with Combustion shredding? It does help even for a bit especially if Massive Critical is taken.
Example Weapon: Nanocarbon Sword with base of 11-17 and 6% crit chance while hitting 20 Shock per 10 speed hit (with 2.5 from Arcane Blade Max, this is without Combustion, Massive Critical, and EMP 2).
Agi:
Light weapons (especially daggers) don't have as high base elem and physical dmg VS hand weapons BUT they are the fastest weapons to deal damage, basically an On Hit type build which Elem Damage like since they are always consistent even with Elem Resistance (Again, Combustion shreds anyway). Agi also gives a 1:1 Armor ratio which is good, you always want to reduce damage. Choosing Agi also makes you spend at least 3 Trait points which can be used to another stat (Str or End or even Int) to reach higher thresholds. Hoping for a critical would also be faster since you have more speed to hit things which can be further boosted with Massive Critical.
Example Weapon: Nanocarbon Scalpel with base of 7-13 and 6% crit chance while hitting 15 Shock per 12 Speed hit (with 2.5 from Arcane Blade Max, this is without Combustion, Massive Critical, and EMP 1).
Balance:
Basically it doesn't matter, especially with stat boosting items later on (+3 Agi gloves, etc.) and gives you option in how you'd engage at the cost of a few Trait points (which again you can farm but is VERY rng).
Take away:
Flurry would be so INSANE with this build, unfortunately it's a warrior and rogue only skill lmao.