Starting a new game, would appreciate suggestions Options

[Mongerman]

Here I am, back for another round of punishment and self abuse. Anyway, my planned party (all created) is

Vagrant (flails as main weapon, axe or belm in offhand)
Sorcerer
Wizard (what would be a good specialist class for this character?)
Berserker (main tank, using shield with longsword/1 handed crushing weapon. All AC boosting items go to him)
Ranger/cleric
Cleric

Question, is the pureclass cleric really necessary? I choose her in anticipation of all the healing I'm going to need, but it would be great if I could throw in some melee capabilities as well.

2nd, I've been browsing the threads, and I notice the once popular f/m multi class does not have a place in many parties. What happened? Are they nerfed or something?

TIA for feedback!

[Ryel ril Ers]

The best defense for the kensai the spirit armor. With 18 dex (it is easy to reach with half orc) his AC go down to -4 without protection equipment and he get -3 bonus his spell save (this was the first spell what i choose for my sorc after the beginning two, but this is only my opinion and choice).

I think the best dual to swashy is level 10 but in IA this is too sucks because the dual process is too long. I think dual after the first dungeon. Or choose Swashy->Cleric or Swashy->Mage if you want a thief.