Guild Wars 2

So i returned to Gw2 after a long time and continued my Ele afterall, and realized it shall be my main.

After gearing up with decent pve gear and crafting up to 450 i got a bit bored and started to spvp, with my fresh air S/D build…not bad but leaves a LOT…exspecially had problems with all those mm necros…hard to target them

So here are my questions :

1, How do you pick gear in spvp (i hit the button but only lets me pick runes for my alredy equipped weapons.)
-This was quite easy before patch i dont think i get this new system…..does my pve gear get pvp stats but keeps skin? I cant even unlock skins for pvp only? Same for weapons…If i have exotic weapon it better then a simple blue or it wont even matter, it has specific stats in pvp?

2, Can i join Those 5v5-10v10 maps with friend(s)? If so how?
3, I have hard time finding proper maps that have open slots, can i filter it to “actually join able matches?”
4, Can anyone give me build tips for general spvp?
5, Also…i am considering an alt, any tips for spvp? Necro seems op, not sure if i should make another caster trough…Thief viable? Or some other kitten?

Oh and sorry for terrible grammar.

Try the faceroll D/D Celestial Ele that people have been running again – 0/0/10/30/30. http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-k33;2B2VU0z4-N;9;99TT;45;049A17AUo0;3H7W3H7W30S

Watch Cmc’s twitch stream to see him play the build in action: http://twitch.tv/cmcgw2

Anyway, to answer your questions:
1. This is a terribly confusing thing and I still don’t quite like how they didn’t explain this. Basically, your armor is completely cosmetic. The weapons themselves carry over but the PvE Stats and Sigils do not. You go up into the PvP Build Menu and select your PvP Amulet (which will give your stats), your Rune set, and your Sigils. Traits can be adjusted here too.
2. To join a map with a friend, you must both be friends together. Then, right click their name when they’re in an arena and join them.
3. Click “Play Now” to join a match. If one doesn’t work, click it again till you find a match you can join.
4. Watch streams. Honestly, cmc’s stream is very informative and has become a really great place for aspiring Eles to learn tech and the basics of PvP strategy. Also, the sPvP forums have some good guides about concepts such as Builds and Comps.
5. Play what you enjoy, not just what’s overpowered or flavor of the month. I’d suggest looking at Dantes’ compiled list of builds and try some of those in Hotjoin. Classes that are easy to pick up and play are Warrior, Spirit Ranger, and Necro. Engis have a steeper learning curve but are quite good and easy to play once you understand it. Thieves are actually a bit hard to be effective with in PvP but they’re still very strong (and basically necessary for a competitive team because of their mobility). Bunker Guard is a necessity but can be dull to play. Mesmer is OK. Roughly speaking, if I had to pick what’s “most viable”, it would probably be Warrior.

Amazingly helpful!
A big thank you, i think i also get how this pvp itemization works, interesting to see you can only use rune sets now and can not mix them.
I will check out the mentioned links.
Again thank you!