Is there any reason you want to avoid taking 4? I dont see what is wrong with taking 4 (unless you want some variations). Probably not going to give you some pointer though, I have yet to be a fencer myself
Depends, is 4 working for you? its ok to like an action. Maybe youre putting yourself in situations where 4 is the best best option. Try to imagine how you can make your 4 more successful and go from there!
not sure if someone can describe this better, and you may have found your answer 7 months ago, but it is simply any opportunity to attack a line that is weak. For example of opponent is holding a high line ( 6 or 4 ), would you attack that high line, or attack his low line instead (7 or 8)... obviously attack the path of least resistance the low line in this case. It's a simplistic reply and scenario and every situation can vary so much which is why fencing is so exciting.
