Yar that #1 is annoying. I turn my sound down a bit, and got used to it after a while. Maybe you can find the sound file we can edit
For GS I use #2 to do a bounce attack (make a clone), then #4 iBerzerk to make another. With my traits my #2 is on 5 second CD, so that's when the 3rd clone comes (or I can make one right away using a dodge). As I said before, mesmer requires the traits to start working more smoothly. You can also use the clones utility or decoy.
For bigger packs/veteran, I start in staff. Throw down chaos storm, use #2 to create a clone (and if used inside the chaos storm puts chaos armor on me), then swap to GS #4 who spins through chaos storm to put on confusion, then GS #2. 2 clones and a phantasm in a few seconds.
I like thegun phantasm, pew poew!