Purpose of DMG conversion? , ranged vs melee?

Grim Dawn Gameplay Discussion
1

Why are there different dmg types and conversion? Is this for flavor and diversity or much needed due to enemy resistances ?

Assuming the basic in this example of using a flat raw physical item, if an nme npc is highly resistant to this type of dmg, is one point of conversion to help bypass this resistance? Does this now lend itself into being more fitted with certain conversion skills and items?

From the above, are there certain dmg types that are better than others and by what measurements? Does it affect range vs melee or are both equal in terms of dmg , considering skills and items, class combos?

2

Damage Conversion is primarily meant as a build enabler/definer, not a means to circumvent enemy resistances.

That said, enemies are often quite resistant to Chaos/Bleed, so be wary of those damage types.