I’d say that second setup is better for Elementalist. Or maybe use Ugdenbog Stormstrife with it.
If you are choosing between those two, I would choose first one, because it’s a hybrid, which means you can sometimes physically chop some foes and kite from others. Melee is more fun. But I don’t know if it can complete new Crucible, you have to ask build creator (I am guessing it can tho).
It can’t, Savagery there is purely for OA/DA/and now Slow Res bonus (and damage buff). I mean, technically you can melee, but damage comes from Storm Totems and Storm Strife.