Honestly and despite what the forum outside this thread will tell you leveling as Carnage is pretty easy. There are a few spots where things get tough - generally when you are a level or two away from the next important skill point. Companion choices are really play style as well, just like spec. Once you get quinn, use him with what ever spec you like until you get to about 30. I used Janessa until I got Pierce. With Pierce almost every fight is easy. Get him close enough that he'll use his charge, let him tank everything, gore + kill kill kill all mobs. Send him home and resummon(takes 2 seconds total) and you wipe mobs(even elites) with no downtime - you never got hit. Anni is safer, Quinn is more forgiving, but you can really do it any way you like up until 40. That's where I'm at now, I'll let you know what the road to 50 brings. Also, rotate your defensive CD's. They are all awesome, but need to be used at the right time or you waste them. For instance if you obfuscate while blade ward is up. The class is a little funny in that if you don't pay attention you can quickly die to 4 regular mobs. If you do things right, a strong and 3 regulars is no problem. I've died a lot to not paying attention(bad habit from my jedi guardian). Also, take biochem. Mods are easy to come by through commendations and the market. Between PVP weapons, mods, and the occasional shopping spree making your own gear becomes stupid. I wish I had super stims and medpacks, instead of level 24 light saber hilts.