Is conversion always superior? In the case of spells, conversion is beneficial in 99% of cases. Converting to Path of exile currency a different element opens up various scaling options, especially with "gained as" modifiers and additional gem links that can support the skill. Therefore, the investment in conversion is often worth it.

Regarding the absence of increased physical damage nodes, it's important to note that these builds also tend to avoid increased elemental nodes. Increased damage, while still relevant, is considered one of the weaker modifiers. The inclusion of increased damage nodes in these builds is usually a byproduct of targeting a specific mastery node or benefiting from other effects within the key node.

In the case of Ancestral Protector, the 1-handed and 2-handed damage nodes will indeed scale its damage. However, if you're relatively new to Path of Exile, it might be advisable to set aside this build for now. Ancestral Protector is an attack skill that heavily relies on POE buy currency your weapon, meaning that having a subpar weapon will significantly impact your damage output.