Caster wielding melee weapons...

I heard this stated once and I just want it confirmed: Is it true that if you as a caster wield a melee weapon instead of a caster weapon that the enemies will cast such things as blinding on you instead of things such as mute and hexes against melee profession instead of caster?

Pretty much. At least that's how it worked last time I tried it.

Didnt know that... Always wondered why casters bring swords and shields... But this doesnt explain why do they do it in pvp?

The solid defensive/health bonuses rawk, and you can... you know... switch weapons and shizzle. You've got a whole bag and 4 quickslots for a reason

It all depends on your build and stratagy.

Melee weapons can have +5energy and 30hp all the time.
Wands can only have +5 energy while health is above 50%.

Focus Items can have +12 Energy (Sometimes more) and +30hp.

So at the cost of doing damage with your weapon a caster can have and extra 5 energy and 30hp all the time plus having the bonus of not being directly targeted with caster hate stuff as often. (A perfect example of this would be the Shiro'ken Assassins in Unwaking Waters explorable, They will not cast Shroud of Silence on the caster if they are wielding a melee weapon, but they will never let it off if they use a wand.)

Cool, i've never really thought about it myself, good to know

Furthermore, while you wield a shield (even if you don't meet the requirement) you'll still get (I think) +6 armor. With a shield's +10 armor vs slashing mod (commonly used by monks in GvG) a sword (or spear) with a sheild can also get +16 armor against sword and axe warriors, derivishes, and about half of sins (in addition to all the things in the quote above).

it's +8 armor actually, not +6. Together with a +10 vs something inscription that is indeed a nice bit of extra defense.