Q:
Fresh tempest
Bifrost will get you more mileage…it can be used on multiple professions. Also, I just happen to like the Bifrost’s skin so I am totally not impartial here
Bifrost or incinerator are the first two choices I’d make for ele. Staff has multiple uses in pve and wvw. Dagger is a staple. Scepter is pretty niche. Howler and minstrel are meh seems like a waste of gold but I guess you can switch the stats if you make them.
For survival learn to use your defensive weaponskills effectivly, as ele you have plenty of heals and cc in general. Add cantrips as utilities for that extra boost to survivability
Best build I found for learning as a tempest is Air/Earth/Tempest with D/W. Air gives you fresh air and fury for good DPS, and earth gives you a lot of protection! Plus DS for some condi removal. Utilities run full shouts, maybe LF for mobility. This gives you a lot of auras which will heal, give regen, vigor and 40% protection. Once you get used to it you can drop earth for fire and go full DPS!!!