Ovak Stonecrusher
As for research before reading/writing, it was conceived differently than how you are conceiving it. In our minds there were lots of ways to do research. Some may research this through visions/hallucinations, others as contacts, others as animals, etc. Reading may be one specific way of researching but it is not the only one and thus in our minds not at all required.
I didnt have a different concept of it, I actualy considered all those sources. Problem is, all that would have to be written down and recorded because its not all done seconds before the events, so a sage remembering 1 to 5 months worth of data seems a huge stretch. Also, I would think a sage would have to use several of those methods since no one source would be able to answer all thier questions. Just seems they would have to resort to written works and recording at some point.
Zeira
It does not say that Single Weapon Specialization is exclusive to melee weapons. If that is the intention it needs to be noted accordingly.
while true it doesnt use the word MELEE, it does say swing. That implies melee since you dont swing a bow/crossbow/throwing weapon.