In that case go for Ascalon as the boost in raw Assault is just far more immense (unless you still feel you lack HP of course, but it doesnt sound like you are that much in trouble as of right now).
Those effects are not a real focus. Some of them sure are nice, but they only count when used as the main weapon for your soul. Nice to have, but nothing major.I meant burst gains as in
★ (FBL) Increases to Fire DMG (+++++) and adds Rage down Mode Gauge reduction
★ (FBL) Increases to Fire DMG (+++++)
Since iirc those gains are only in the main(soul) weapon slot, by which I'd probably should be aiming to use soul weapons for end game.
There are only some very rare cases where you dont use a Soul-Specific Relic weapon, so just roll with Relics.
In general, yes. That is kinda a guideline to go with. Before you wont really have enough power to reach caps (this obviously also depends on your buff-stacking and what you gain from there). Overall, before not reaching high Assault (100% and beyond), Exceed only gives you mainly some more burst damage. Stats also are a bit of a factor, but that comes automatically along with working on your grids.As for optimal exceed value to aim for, that is something I only need to worry about after hitting at least 100% in assault with SL20s right?