Spellstrike wording still confusing

[IkeDoe]

Spellstrike has been modified because it was confusing, however I still can't understand how exactly it works.

Quote:

At 2nd level, whenever a magus casts
a spell with a range of “touch” from the magus spell
list, he can deliver the spell through any weapon he is
wielding as part of a melee attack. If successful, this
melee attack deals its normal damage as well as the
effects of the spell. Instead of the free melee touch attack
normally allowed to deliver the spell, a magus can make
one free melee attack with his weapon as part of casting
this spell. If used with spell combat, this does not grant
an additional attack.

That's what I would ask:

* 1. When I cast a quickened touch spell, do I get a free melee attack with the weapon AND can then perform a full round attack, cast another spell, etc...? (seems so, because usually you could cast a quickened touch spell and gain a free touch attack, actually It isn't a good question at all)

* 2. Related to #1. Could I cast a quickened touch spell, get the free melee attack, and then use a full round action for spell combat? (My guess is that it doesn't count as "used with spell combat", so yes, I could)

* 3. "If successful, this melee attack deals its normal damage as well as the effects of the spell." What happens if the attack fails?
-Can I hold the charge in the weapon as I would do with a normal melee touch spell and my hand?
-Does the effect discharge?

* 4. Criticals for the spell damage. Only when rolling 20? Using the weapon's critical range? Should it be x2 or should it use the weapon's multiplier?

* 5. As happens with AoOs and other special attacks, I guess you can not use Vital Strike with the free melee attack.

* 6. Related to #3.
If I can hold the charge in the weapon, would it discharge if I cast another spell? (as happens when holding the charge of melee touch attacks)

Questions and answers are welcome.

(Edit: Added question #6)

[DM Barcas]

As I understand it,

1) Yes.

2) Yes.

3) You hold the charge as normal.

4) I think that the range takes the weapon's crit range but is always x2.

5) Vital strike is a standard action, so it can't be combined with spellstrike.

[Foghammer]

So, to make sure I understand this correctly:

The trade-off for not taking the touch attack (easier) and instead using the weapon (which is at a -2, even, according to spell combat), you may use the weapon's threat range and any combat modifiers tied to the weapon (which more than likely only serve to make up the difference between the touch attack and the -2 until higher levels).

BASICALLY, it feels like you're trading two "attacks" for one to expand the threat range of the spell... assuming your weapon does that to begin with.

So far, I LOVE the changes made to the Magus, except spellstrike. This one still feels awkward to me, and will probably see little use. I would rather get another arcana or bonus feat.

[Synapse]

As I said on another thread, the use for it while using spell combat is limited. Pretty much only useful as a possible bonus for when you guarantee the hit anyway.

But notice the new clause: when not used with spell combat you can use it with a weapon attack immediately, akin to the 3.5 Duskblade's arcane channeling. Spellstrike without spell combat is just a standard action, good if you are on the move.