The passive tree is not really that complicated
This program takes about half of the work out of your hands
http://code.google.com/p/path-of-exi...lTree_1.31.zip
Just click any node and it will take you there with the shortest possible path.
Generally speaking your build will revolve around a few keystone passives. Take those and then grab life/damage as necessary along the way
Then test your build an make miniscule adjustments to get that last % of damage/survivability out of it
Thats also why you shouldnt need full respecs. If you cant fix your build with like 10 respec points its beyond fucked (like if its your first character and you put points all over the place not knowing what you were doing)