Bronze armour is an utter waste of bronze, as is bronze pickaxe, agreed.

Bronze mace, however, is really good, and so is the buckler if going for mobility (which I always do). Atgeir is great, yes, but I don't like two-handed weapons so never make one.

Bronze axe is definitely a must, yes, unless you really, really like troll labour.

There is no need to stand around and fight, in the swamp or anywhere else, when bows, light armour, and dodging exist. Even against abominations I don't stand still; I dodge and strike, dodge and strike, etc. etc.

Root armour rocks, yes, outside of frost caves. In frost caves, it gets you killed.