If you need to shoot someone up close, thornblast. If you need to take out a lvl 1 plant, shoot it with MM or 1 once with thornblast as you advance, then once at point blank range. You may die, the plant dies. Everybody is happy. Low ping or dont bother.
Second zoom is worthless.
That primary weapon has nearly unlimited range. You are a sniper. Try to kill other snipers and take opportunity shots. Stick to spotbolt unless you are dueling with someone or need to kill a plant. This guys rocks as of v2.5 and is easily the second best wizard.