Newb-omancer

[Sabra]

After years of playing D1, I have started playing DII and have begun a Necromancer who is now clvl 11 and heading off for Andariel. At this point, I'm enjoying this character almost as much as the first D1 Rogue I ever played, so that's saying something.

All of the Necromancer skills sound so interesting, but I've read that you can seriously screw up a DII character through bad skills choices in early development. So, acting on Charis' suggestion, I've come here for input.

My goal is to equip my character with a bow that has life and mana steal (currently a short bow with two socketed chipped skulls). Then I'd like to let his minions fight for him while he directs the action. So placing skill points in all aspects (?) of the Summoning Tree seems like a given. The curses all sound quite interesting too, but I realize that some may have low returns. Poison and Bone has me completely befuddled. Can you make a few suggestions on the most worthwhile skills in all three trees?

Additionally, may I have some recommendations on experience point distribution for a Necromancer?

And finally two straight up questions.

1) As the monsters mlvl increases, will the HPS of my skels and Gollies increase as well?
2) Should I ditch the Rogue Merc I was given after the Blood Raven quest? I have no objection to keeping & equipping her, but I suspect that her ability to level up might be hampered by the minions I'm summoning. I'd like to keep her, but not if she can't advance with me. I don't want to spend a lot of time just walking about with her and letting her level.

Thanks so much.