Hi! I've recently started playing, and I love the game so far!
The only complaint I have (other than the targeting system; I came from ESO, so this tab-target thing is really messing me up) is that I feel like I was pushed to level 80 way too fast. I wasn't even trying; just basically going from story chapter to story chapter (because I'd gain 10+ levels just walking back and forth between them). I barely know how to play my core class, and now I'm looking at picking a specialization that looks like it's going to completely change how my class works?
Anyway, I'm a Mesmer. I've tried to find a breakdown on the differences between the Chronomancer, Virtuoso, and Mirage, but all I can find are either bare lists of abilities or builds that don't explain anything; they just say "Pick this, this, this, and this, and use these weapons."
What I'm trying to find is what each specialization is good for, how they play (distant/melee, shatter-focused, clone focused), what use cases each of the new weapons shines in, etc. So if someone could give me a general rundown on how each Elite Specialization plays and is supposed to function, I'd be really appreciative. Thanks in advance!
More details on my character/playstyle right now, if it matters:
I'm playing solo for now in the overworld. I do want to try dungeons at some point, since they were my favorite part of ESO, but I'm worried I'll get yelled at if I'm not optimized. And, again, I'm only mildly competent with my core class; I still die to big things in the overworld because I haven't mastered how all my buttons (and targeting) work. I'm using a Greatsword (for range and AOE) and Scepter+Sword (for clone generation, single-target damage, and defense when things get too close). I rely a lot on phantasms and shatter skills (even though I'm not entirely sure what the specific use case for each type of shatter is supposed to be; I mostly just use F1 and F4 in a pinch).
Because I appreciate the defensive options of Scepter+Sword, I was thinking of going with Chronomancer for the offhand Shield. But the Mirage dodge-replacement sounds really cool, and the Virtuoso's dagger weapon looks almost awesome enough to tempt me into ditching the clones I've been leaning on for the last 79 levels. So I just don't know.
I'm not much of a mesmer player, but I do have some insight that might help you out.
As long as you're upfront that you're a newer player and want to learn how stuff works, most players in-game will help you. Just ask!
Broad strokes on elite specs in PvE (note that there is a balance patch soon):
Having a sensible build will make the game quite a bit easier. I would recommend MetaBattle for open world and Hardstuck for group PvE like dungeons, fractals, strikes, and raids. Speaking to your point on how guides tend to be lists of abilities, Hardstuck does explain ability usage and what the build does reasonably well.
Every build in the game should be played melee whenever possible, even if they're ranged. Most boons are generated in a short radius around the support players, so staying tight is important.
Hopefully that answers some of your questions :D