The Spirit Realm

1. Moot, not mute.

2. Ogres have Frontal Stun Immunity and don't get their spells interrupted much when being attacked - not a big deal if you don't get beat on much, but a really huge deal if you do. It all depends, but the less "safely" you play, the more beneficial it becomes. It's the only racial ability that is really worth anything nowadays.

Ogre is arguably the best class for Shaman, followed by Iksar, Yes the AC bonus is nice.

Just don't wear a skirt unless you are a female toon.

I would not bother changing to the other toon just because of race, otherwise my frog would be an Iksar