After some research, I still don't know what to do about professions...
The general consensus is that they are very expensive and require the auction house to help you bounce back or soften the financial blow... and be a productive member of society. Smugglers Paradise is going to be a different beast in itself having no low levels looking for your materials/crafted-goodness.
Assuming reincarnates don't share your profession, perhaps picking up gathering profession to transfer materials to your progenitor and starting the profession race the second time around is smart. (I don't know anything)
Would any experienced players be able to pass advice on:
-Is it wise to bother with professions on your struggling first character?
-Will the gold drain and lack of return from the AH cripple me?
-Are there any un-chosen professions desperately needed for Smugglers Paradise, or should I do my alchemy thing?
-I can have one gathering and one crafting profession only?
Thank you to anyone who's willing to help.
Some things are just too grand of a challenge for trial and error me thinks.