Greetings, I'm new to the list (and fairly new to EQ, not counting a stint in P4)

I'm a level 8 bard on Povar, nearing 9, and using both a rapier and a short sword, keeping my skills maxxed out. Mainly because I couldn't decide which one to use, so I decided to use both.

But... since I set my strength to a low 75, I'm not much for melee, even while twisting Chant and the Warsong. 110 dexterity means I don't get hit often though. And now that I can use instruments, my biggest strength seems to be my songs (well, obviously. But very markedly different comared to my poor melee)

My question, how much more effective will training Hand to Hand make me while wielding an instrument? I'd like to be able to help out a bit.. Right now I'm holding my lute, playing Hymn of Restoration, and punching jackals, pumas, and orcs to death in Northern Ro, and have reached 26 total skill in Hand to Hand.

And to go along with that, what exactly does increased skill do? Is it purely chance-to-hit, or does it increase damage as well?

Thanks
Cypress, Povar