Having access to Sniper Shot and Joan is great for you. Herc is great, particularly once you get her Soul weapon, but if you're not that far just yet, you might as well take a detour for either SS or Joan.
Well, in my opinion anyway. It's been years since I was last weak, but I'd think that's still the best way to go. You already have BP, so that's the most important thing - you have more leeway now.