Thanks for the kind words.
- the sword disappearing when equipped then thrown is a known bug, and fixed on 25 Apr
- the game chooses the most powerful swing based on the weapon type. there isn't any special critter vulnerability to specific swings. the fire elemental is just difficult to hit! either avoid, or increase your weapon skills.
- the maze bug was also fixed on 25 Apr
Richard Garriott didn't notice, I don't think, but Warren Spector mentioned it on LinkedIn.