@Prizeferret
1. Should I make weapons and armor now, and use up the silver? Or should I wait and save the silver for something later?
You'll get better options in a bit using other materials. There is no point in saving them.
2. If I should use the silver, there are 2 options for weapons. One has higher stats, the other is effective against undead. I kinda figure this is a clue that there are legions of undead in my future. Should I craft these, or just go for the higher stat items.
This is up to you. Is there a reason why you need more merit points? If so, take the item with the higher stats. The undead thing does help, and imo, probably returns more than merit points.
3. Similarly, there are two choices for armor. One with higher stats and one with protection from status ailments. Typically, I'll just wear whatever necklace is necessary for protection when facing a boss who throws ailments. But it would be nice to free up that item slot. Is the status protection worth it, or should I go with higher stat armors?
That depends on how you accessorize and use your merit points. Some rings are awesome, like increase break points, increase critical strike rate on everything, increase critical strike on magic, elemental damage, etc. I prefer using those rather than status ailment prevention, so I go with protection on my armor. The extra defense isn't too noticeable anyway, as you'll be spamming heal every round or every other round.
4. Is there are way to steal more silver ores? Or are they only found in chests?
Don't remember. They're not that useful anyway. Get what gear you like, and leave the rest.
5. What other ores should I be looking for in the future, and are there specific monsters to steal them from?
The end all for normal non-special is orihalcon. I think mithril is the one before that. I didn't try to steal from everything (small monsters), but most monsters do carry those ores every now and then.
6. Is there a way to turn off specific "status boosts"? For instance, I'm scared to advance Kreiss's Paladin tablet, because the 3% MP drain per turn in exchange for increased defense sounds like it would suck hardcore.
This is a stance. You only activate it when you need it. It's not on all the time.
@Keyser: One/two maps to the left and right, then straight up until you hit the boss.