Maximizing your proficiency with weapon master will really help with min/average damage output and getting the most out of your PS, and will also help with the speed factor more than with faster weapons due to the slower initial speed of flamberge. It's for this reason that I recommend going 18/21 for a level 30 or 31 build, 18/24 or 21/21 for a 32+ build. The athletics will also help you to control your range.