So I've really only played through the game once a long while back as a ranger, and eventually came back briefly during the last expansion to try it out as a druid, but I barely even remember how to play it's been so long.

I was hoping to get back into the game, and I've always been told leveling Mesmer is a miserable experience since they're "weak and squishy" - so I've avoided them, even though the idea of a mesmer sounds awesome to me. I figured I'd pick up the new expansion and give it a shot, but I'm still worried about leveling it.

Any tips for leveling one up? I have the boost, but I think that'll take away from the experience. I like the idea of the new mirage thing, but want something that can get me to that point, and then something that will not render me useless in PvE groups at the end of the game (fractals, raids, etc.)

My other thought was to level up a guardian and do the firebrand thing, and then boost a mesmer when I'm comfortable with the game, so let me know if you think that would be a more enjoyable experience.

Thanks!