deciding between traits
I’ll go with none of the above.
The 5th point in dueling is mostly useless (yes, even with perplexity runes). The confusion lasts such a short time it’s just not worth it at all. So, take that point and put it in chaos to take chaotic interruption (this is a lockdown build, right?). I’d also take warden’s feedback or mender’s purity, since you sorta have zero reliable condition removal. On that note, you’ll need to ditch the ether signet (since it’s awful) and take ether feast instead.
Here’s the trait setup Fay is talking about, build link with gameplay vid etc
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-Stumbling-Block-rupt-condi/first
He’s right though. Drop 1 from Dueling and put it into Chaos. Take CI. The interrupts will help your condi stacking and force condi cleanses on imobs rather than your damage condi stacks.