I'm guity of usually starting with cookie-cutter builds (though not necessarily equipment setups - usually because I'm too poor), but only to get the goods necessary to finance and support the more interesting characters I do towards the end of any Diablo 2 addiction. I want to do 3 kinds of other Druids (other than the WW druid I usually do) I haven't done in a while. I've gotten an Elementalist (Hurricane/Tornado) all the way to high level but it wasn't that fun/interesting. I'm going to try a pure Summoner (with WearBear & Shockwave to back them up), a Earthshifter Druid (if I can get the weapon) who uses Armageddon while transformed, and either a Hunger or Fire Claws WearBear.

Also, my current Druid is gearing towards a high-end Maul as his end-game weapon but I think if I back off points into Str before it's too late (I already have like 170 or 180 base) I could turn him into a Ribcracker Druid who could challenge Ubers

edit: Grats on trying a Melee Sorc, sounds fun. I've never had the guts to make one.