The Advice forum generally does a better job of feeding than the PFS forum, which is for questions regarding how the PFS organized campaign operates. I've flagged your post to get it moved there.
As for the question, I've seen a few samurai do just fine in PFS. Power Attack, Furious Focus, and the step up line will get you fairly capable. Diversifying in a few different skills, especially if you can pick a few knowledges and/or social skills, tends to pay off very well in PFS.
Another thing to think about is that you can get a lot of the "samurai" flavor without actually putting any levels into the class. A katana-wielding fighter, barbarian, magus, ranger, or just a straight cavalier could carry a lot of the same flavor.
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I built a Samurai Sword Saint as my -2 character with my reasoning behind giving up the mount was that mounts are hit and miss on where they can go during an adventure. Besides what you have already stated as great advice here is what I am going to throw in from my experience.
- STR and DEX should be your two highest stats
- Lean more toward armor upgrades than weapon upgrades (due to your AC drop after declaring an iaijitsu strike)
- Be patient as you level. I really did not see the power up on my Samurai until level 10 when the strike goes from a full round to a standard action and the AC penalty becomes -2.
- CHA is a good stat to keep high as it will increase the DC from Terrifying Iaijitsu ability.
That is what I can give you so far. My Samurai is level 12 currently and will be taking on Eyes of the Ten soon. Hope you enjoy the archetype as much as I did.
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For a sword saint, your Order will be very important. I have had good luck with Order of the Shield. Level 8 and Stem the Tide was great! Resolute (convert a little damage from each blow to non-lethal) is a wonderful ability so long as you have some healing around.
Iajutsu has been very hard to use. I'm really looking forward to level 10 as Preston mentioned.