I'm new to the game and am curious about some mechanics:
1) If I overcharge a spell by dual casting, does that increase the rank? And as a follow up, would that mean I would need the next rank up of Magicka discount? I sometimes get the feeling that casting lighting bolt in a 1-2 punch costs less than an overcharge cast.
2) Exactly which destruction spells stagger opponents when dual casted w/ the perk?
3) Whats the benefit to soul gems with souls and can I combine soul gems?
4) Does the dual cast perk for Alteration increase duration?
5) Are there any non-armor boots or gloves I can enchant? Which flows into the next question:

In terms of builds:
6) Is it smart to invest in Alteration for a mage? I find it tiresome to keep casting stoneflesh, and I think that light armor on hands and feet might not overcome mage armor, but the enchantments i could put on boots and gloves might be more useful than +40 armor or so.
7) How many levels should I invest in Magick vs Health as a mage? A ratio would be nice.

And finally, a rather length question about crafting:
8) At what level/should I ever start to invest heavily into smithing/enchanting/alchemy? On youtube I see many videos of people who make ridiculous high-level armor. Is that really necessary at higher levels and difficulties (I play on Expert)?
I like the idea of an Eldritch Knight, and getting the Dragon mats doesn't seem that difficult. I don't think I'd care to work for really ridiculous armor because it requires all three trees working in unison, but I would like to make some dragon gear that is comprable to the cloth gear in terms of enchantments, is that possible without spending too much time? And if the only option to get such things is to spend hours working at it, what would be the cheats to make it happen instantly (like +100 smithing skill)? and what level around would it be feesable to me have attained the gear honestly? I would cheat to save time, but not to become overpowered.

Thank you forums :3