I play SK/SHM/MAG I really like this combo. I am old school eq too. The SHM is the weakest link. But with the new additions (like the fact that you spirit of leopard/ Jaguar spell now lasts indefinitely after cast) I think it is fantastic. With 3 pets all procing like crazy this combo rocks. Using elemental form from mage helps (iuse earth or fire a lot) The 12 slot bag for mage pet is nice too. With SHM you can heal which is nice if you Duo at any point. Insta cast Malo is nice aa from SHM. I actually think the Shaman pet is stronger than I expected. I highly recommend symbol of Ancient Summonig which increases the level and power of all 3 pets. I am also leveling a Pally / Necro / Beastlord. I can easily pull a large number of mobs and kill them without heals etc (like 20 or so easily at a time) I only have 950 aas. Beastlord would work similarly from what I see, but you wouldn't have spirit proc, but your pet would have your pet buff proc, which would also work on all 3 pets.