Striker Build

Does charge at level 2 even charge fast enough for blast to be useful? All the builds I've seen so far go 10 charge first before adding any to blast, but I put 4 because that's when it gives 12 weapon attack, the same as a warrior elixir, so I don't actually lose anything with energy. Or does it not count as a buff?

Energy Charge doesn't override any kind of attack buff. If you're using an Apple and your Energy Charge fills up, you still get the 100 attack from the Apple.