Plate.
Leveling is going to be a pain, just do quests. Also, you get 3x exp cards for 100%ing a map that corresponds to the map level. Once you start getting lv 4 cards, I would recommend to try to 100% maps.
I haven’t really grinded since level 1. I would suggest buying blessing and sacrament buffs from pardoners in town to make things a lot faster.
Boring is based on your perspective. Do you like dealing high DPS while supporting? If so, then this is the build to go. If you like being more on the primary DPS side and being to engage the enemy right away instead of setting up statues, then go archer or mage.