huh, I get invaded plenty in NG+. You can get rewards through PvP from 2 separate covenants. I, for one, do not miss DS1 invasions - starting a brand new character and getting invaded in undead burgh by players in full Havel armor and lightning weapons - laame.

I will agree though that, for the most part, DS2 is easier than DS1

technically. although you are probably going to do much more dog with a +10/+5/Lightning str based greatsword/mace/axe

you found DS2 to be harder than DS1 and Demons?

LOL

Lost Sinner was tough and Flexile was tricky, other than that didn't notice too much of a difference, doing both playthroughs solo.. Completely steamrolled bosses that gave me trouble on NG - Pursuer, Ruin Sentinels, Gargoyles, Smelter Demon

Good thing to note on scaling -

Dex weapons scale at a lower rate because they attack faster. Even if both weapons have an 'A' scaling in str and dex, the str weapon is going to get more bonus dmg from scaling. So if your going for that 'hit like a truck' build, go str

exchange Throne Defender (boss) soul with weaponsmith ornifex. Its a late game weapon, boss isnt even accessible until you get the Kings Ring

some bosses just don't get very many signs, either because they are deep in the game or just easy enough that people don't think to put down a sign. only other thing might be your soul level, you can only summon people plus or minus 10 from your level. if you totally out leveled an area, chances are you are not gonna see summon signs or be summoned.

as long as the weapon scales with faith, which most lightning weapons do, yes - more points into faith will boost the lightning damage from your weapon.

not sure what ur talking about with the mace. i used *blank* pine resins on it a number of times.

Defender Greatsword

scales with faith at an S rating when lightning enchanted, and when you 2-hand it and hit L2 you can lightning buff it whenever you want. no need for sunlight weapon

Chrono Cross.