WoW newbie looking for advice

[Taelas]

So Alliera, would you recommend investing into the Demonology tree, or would I be better off with curses and direct damage spells/talents? I've seen references to re-specs, how easy/difficult are those to do?

I personally am a fan of drain-tanking as an Affliction warlock, but Demonology is very strong for soloing. It's up to you. Respecs are easy -- all it requires is gold. Unfortunately it can become expensive (1 gold for the first, then 5, then it increases by 5g up to 50).

How would I ensure I'm keeping up with the trade skills? If I want to be a tailor, do I just keep using it from the moment I get it (from my class trainer, I assume)? Or is their progression tied to leveling up?

Once you hit level 5, you can get your professions. There are several profession levels:
-Apprentice; requires level 5, allows you to train to skill level 75
-Journeyman, requires level 10 and skill level 50; allows you to train to 150
-Expert, level 20 and skill level 125, allows you to train to 225
-Artisan, level 35 and skill level 200 (secondary professions require 225), allows you to train to 300
-Master, level 50 and skill level 275, allows you to train to 375