Theroc, my post isn't going to be very helpful in regards to the questions you raised, and I apologize ahead of time for that. However, I can't help but say this...
Secrets of Pact Magic is a third-party take on the binder (and indeed, the entire idea of binding spirits) that's
MUCH better than what's in the
Tome of Magic. Seriously, if you want to play a binder, this book offers you so much more in every regard. It even has a follow-up book,
Villains of Pact Magic.
Definitely check it out if there's room in your gaming budget.
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