For speed? Go with double rapier (dungeoneering) if you can get it. If not I like the whip + enhanced excalibur for fast hits. Spots, I pretty much do Slayer. I'm not much of an AFKer :).
Enhanced Excalibur is the off-hand whip, so yes. IMO defenders aren't great. If you want a shield, get a shield, if you want a weapon get a weapon. And I usually do slayer. Good xp and money.
