Evaluation of Magic Items

[Yurasis_Dragon]

I have a series of questions re magic itemes:

1) wtf to Boots of Long Strides do?

It says "running". But near as I can figure it has made none of my units any faster. So whats up?

2) What magic items are a waste of gems? There are a number of different items. I am having a hard time figuring out which ones are:
a good deal;
have better options available; or should never buy as being a waste.

I mean, Frost Brands seem like a great deal; Dwarven Hammer no brainer; Duskdagger and Jade Knife, situational. Sword of Swiftness seems like a good gig, but vs. a Frost Brand, what's the choice and why?

What does a Heart Finder do? Its effect I mean, how is it better than any ordinary 7 dmg weapon?

Are wand of Wild Fire, Sceptre of Authority, or Rod of the Phoenix worth it?

Does anyone have a list of what an d why. I do realize a lot of this is situational but in the end which weapons are just throwing your gems away?

Is anyone else in love with Skull Mentors?