Good morning!

I've been playing the PS3:Legenday edition and after a few hours I had some questions, and I thought the community might be able to provide some insight. I'm basically playing a Breton Mage and I find myself using Conj. (atronachs as meat shields), Destr. (shocks for nukes), and Resto. as needed. I'm also using Lydia for extra dmg/tankage when needed. My questions are:

1. After getting smacked around occasionally, and being in just robes and hoods, I thought to myself: Why not just use the Arcane Enchanter to disenchant said robe and hood and slap the enchantment on some Heavy, or even Light gear? I can even use the Bound Sword/Soul Trap perk in Conj. to power that gear, when needed. Is this a viable strategy? I'm aware the best way to find out is to try it, but I'd like to hear some thoughts on the matter.

2. I went ahead and grabbed the Dual Casting perk for ALL the magic schools. My thinking has been thus: Conj. - for longer lasting Atronachs, Illusion - so far, just for a better Muffle, Destr. for better Shocks , Alt. - for better Skin spells... and I'm starting to seriously wonder if this has been a waste, and finally Resto. - healing! (heh). What I'm wondering is if I've been wasting perks, simple as that. And if I have... do I start over?

3. I've actually gained 4-5 levels purely chain-casting Muffle and upping Illusion as I've been exploring Whiterun and the surrounding area. Is this a good idea? I'm thinking that, as enemies scale to my level... my other schools are not nearly as high, and I think I'm making things harder on myself. Keep in mind, my question isn't how to make the game easier - my question is whether I'm making it more difficult by this aspect of my own gameplay.

4. As a follow-up to my 1st question: Should I be wearing Heavy, or even Light armor and jumping into the fray to up my armor and weapon skills with my elemental suicide troop (hee hee!) and smart-ass housecarl (I'm sworn to carry your burdens... pfft!) or hang back and nuke? I find myself wondering if jumping in and using a Bound Sword to Soul Trap, and upping those defensive/offensive skills might be vital ealy on. Thoughts?

I apologize in advance if my questions seem a bit convoluted. That said, any feedback would be appreciated... especially on the gameplay style that I've been using (so far). Thanks!