Just to add my two centz, but I am one of those that went with Aid Self/Stimulant over the fighting pool. I won't presume to tell anyone how to play their brute, but it suuuuure is nice to have a self heal.
Think on this, your Energy Transfer is gonna hit you with the equivalent of a medium damage attack from a minion of equal level. Using ET in a protracted(over 30 secs) fight can start to tell, and what happens if you used your last green on the alpha strike that the last boss gave you before you dropped him? Having the ability to heal a full 45%(after slotting as you rec'd) will often be the difference between a sweat-inducing slugfest and a smashland funfest.
DO PLEASE NOTE, that Aid self should be used intelligently, it'll fail if you got nailed with a Damage over Time attack, so know your opponents well.
Also, as far as travel powers go, alot of mobz can fly, or use abilities that slow you down and/or otherwise restrict your movement( like those ultra-annoying Earth Thorn Casters with quicksand). Choosing Hover as a combat move power is a very good idea, and 3 slotted with SO's its as fast as sprint w/o the swift power from the fitness pool.
All in all, this is a superb guide, and I very much agree with the info here, its super-helpful.
