It's interesting how everything is interconnected as it is, needing to mention the issues with skill gems, armor/life, Warrior and so on. As you were talking about the small nodes I was just thinking the same thing you then suggested with having multiple choices for damage, which could apply to more of the boring small nodes as well (versatility vs. power). Of the proposals related to the skill tree, I think waygates might work the best with the way the game is at the moment while also giving more building options outside of the starting class section but I think the other proposals could also work to some degree.