[Aerich]

Ok, I know I've recommended dualing fighters to druids at Lvl 9 and no later. I must admit, I played F/Ds when I did not have HoW (had more limited experience because it was missing huge area to gain levels, had low experience cap, and no increased XP for difficulty level over Core). I've also played F/Ds with a party of 4, where their spells and ability to deal out damage in melee are vital. At that time I was also patient (or lucky) enough to get a Con of 18 without sacrificing any key stats.

I am now rethinking my strategy. I'm playing a party of 6 on insane difficulty intending to go to HoW/ToTL (now almost through the Vale of Shadows). My worry is that my new druid (all in the party started from scratch) with a Con of 10 will not be a good enough fighter/tank if I dual over at lvl 9. My question to you seasoned gamers (or, really, anyone with an opinion) is:

Will the extra 1 HP/lvl (fighters get 3, druids get 2 past lvl 9, I believe) and the better Thac0 be that important? More important than earlier access to druid spells and shapechange?

For background, this is a party built for pounding. Five of the six characters have exceptional strength (two at 18/91 or better), all six have 18 dex, and four have 18 Con. All of the split-class characters are multi-classed except for the F/D.

It goes as follows:

Paladin (H)- **Mace, **Great Sword, *Bows, intending **Long Sword (of course)
Cleric/Ranger (HE)- **Mace, **Sling, *Hammer, intending Flail
Fighter/Thief (E) - **Bows, **Long Sword, *Daggers
Fighter/Illusionist (Gn) - **Bows, **Axes, *Staff, intending **Halberds or Dagger
Fighter/Druid (H) - *Clubs, **Scimitar, **Sling, intending *Staff, more on Sling and Scimitar
Bard (HE) - *Xbow, *Axe, *Great Sword

The pally is my primary tank, the C/R is my secondary, usually after casting a party or personal buffing spell. The C/R (with armor off) also makes a good ambush combo (right now against skeleton archers and mages) with the F/T and an invisible F/I. The F/T is primarily an archer/scout/trap-finding specialist who can backstab in tough fights or help take down hefty opponents in melee. The F/I is currently providing ranged attacks, spell disruption, and third-rate tanking duties. The Bard is a singing machine that casts the occasional spell on alternate rounds and has fired a crossbow about 5 times. The other fighter is a spare tank and extra ranged support, at the moment.

What do you think is the appropriate place to dual the fighter to druid? Bear in mind the insane difficulty adds lots of XP but more monster damage, and the F/D does not have a great Con (but will get all my potions of fortitude). I'm a bit short on priest spells right now, but my multi-class cleric seems to be handing the load with the help of the paladin, potions, and more frequent rests.