About when transition to AAR - when i’ve played it, i transitioned to AAR at level ~17. It’s because i already had 3x “of insight” items at the time. Well, in recent patch they were nerfed a bit for early game (but buffed for lategame), so maybe you should transition a bit later, let’s say, at level 20. Anyway, it all depends on energy sustain. AAR is very energy-hungry skill, after all. And regardless of skill you’d use, until 32 level you wont feel really powerful anyways. Just endure it a bit.
About items - well, i advice to use items with “of insight” suffix early, when energy sustain is the main issue. Now, i mostly agree with him, but here are some differences about gear.
Weapon - just use Crimson’s Arcane Sceptre. No need to look for any other weapons.
Shoulder - just use Dreeg Vile Mantle, forget about Loghorean’s (his shoulders were nerfed recently, BTW), etc. Later, when you get enough points in Disintegration, aim for Iron Maiden’s Shoulderguard.
Belt - just use Ugdenbog Waistguard (you can get it while farming Ugdenblooms - double benefit).
Legs - Alexander’s Legguards. Those arent that hard to obtain, so why dont kick Alex’s ass and get them?
About leveling breakpoints - nice idea, will make it soon.