I may have said this before, but in 5.4 the speed granting classes have become more important. Getting them early allows you to hit before your apponents. It also seems(not sure about this) to help with running away.
Alchemist is now a unlocked class. It can help with row damage by a mage.
I try to get the builder's tools, forge tools, and the first levels of forge, tailor, and alchemy done, but put off anything else until I've got the guild rep up to 500.
The Servants will always support you even when you don't have 500 points with them. That means you only need two other guilds at 500. That's usually easy to do. When you side with a guild you get 100 rep point right away.
One thing I do that not many people do is take Life Power as the starting Sex Trait. It won't remove the grievious injury penelty though.