New run with F/M/C possible spoilers

[Dradeel]

1. Will I be able to specialize beyond proficient?
2. Is this equipment optimal. Any propositions are very welcome.
Helm of Balduran
Robe of Vecna
Boots of haste+avoidance (I'm playing with Item upgrade mod)
Amulet of power
Gauntlets of Extraordinary Specialization
Belt of Inertial Barrier
main- flail of ages +5, before that skull crusher +5 or fulcrum
off-Crom faeyr
rings are a big question. Item upgrade mod adds a ring for mages that adds one extra spell from level 1 to 7. There is always holly symbol and gaxxx and others. I'm going for a party of 6 with me, valygar, jan, jaheira, sarevok, Irenicus (yes i also have the longer road mod), so I need to know if any of my equipment is better off with somebody else in the party? Changes are welcome.
3. I hate to ask this but I am desperate. This is my third run trough with Irenicus. I always try to redeem him, make him sorry for his actions. It never works. The mod description tells me that there a re 4 different endings for him. I only got the one where he destroys the elven city after the baalspawn saga or the one where he slowly ascends in the hellish underground. How do you make him sorry?
4. This party is ment to be a power party that has no problems with Ms. A. I know that Irenicus can more or less finish the game on his own. There will be six members and I will have the backup fighter role or even main fighter.