You can do either or, which makes it great since it can be versatile. I pair it up with the carian greatsword phalanx which helps build up stagger, and then you can use lorettas longbow comet/shards if you want to snipe/range stuff
Vigor doesn't really scale great over 50 and at 50 you still need almost two health pots to heal to full. You can pump some endurance if you want to upgrade to a great shield over the brass
Brass shield is pretty much the best shield without going up to great shields. The most important stats with shields are physical reduction and guard boost.
for MLGS you get 16 str 12 dex so you can 1 hand it, then you pump INT up to 80. You offhand a staff for casting or the jellyfish shield for the 20% damage buff.
I didn't do the bird farm either but it was nice getting the +10 stone a little earlier than waiting until snowfield which is damn near the end of the game.
The Haligtree aids sections you can easily sprint through. It's only a bitch if you want to actually explore it and get the items, but there's nothing really worth clearing for.
D's set is good for your current area, and armor is kind of lacking over all in this game. I think it could use a boost for those who choose to invest in endurance.