1. I'd consider giving radiation or bio armor a try - they both offer many tools to keep you on your feet and fighting at full force. Bio armor may be a bit more involved, as it has offensive/defensive/efficient forms, (mutually exclusive toggles), that slightly change how the set plays - more complexity, but also more flexibility in how you play.
2. A fairly simple way, IMO, is to run some tunnel farms in Architect Entertainment, then use the tickets you get to buy some rare IO salvage then sell it on the Auction House - can usually get about 400K - 500K info for each piece. Not huge in the long run, but definitely some "startup capital".
3. I rather like savage melee - it's less about burst damage and more about continuous fast attacks with some DoT mixed in. Attacks grant an end cost discount and a recharge bonus, which also benefits your secondary powers.
4. Attuning an IO basically makes it more powerful and, IIRC, effectively adjusts to your level.
5. There are a few new power pools to check out and some rather significant changes or editions to existing ones, so check them all out.