Thank you! I'm glad you're having luck using this sort of guide. I didn't initially intend to be so detailed in my build. I just wanted to be helpful and show people an easier path than slogging through, dying over and over to get to the finish line. I wanted to streamline the process.
You can level up vitality for more life. It's not too big of a deal. In Souls games, usually your stamina is sort of your first line of defense when you think about it. Because either you're going to run, dodge, or block an attack. So I usually put more emphasis on the stamina bar over health. But there's nothing wrong with sinking some points into vitality, since it's a last line of defense, and if you don't hit block in time, prevents you having to do a level or boss over again. Whatever helps you get through the game is my motto.
As for what to put your points into first, for leveling up. My general suggestion on where to allocate points. Put them into what deals the most offensive damage primarily. So you'd want to see what your weapon of choice is, and what it scales best with. That being said if you're going along with the same weapons in the guide, you'll want to make sure you have the right points to wield the weapons I talk about. Be it the Long Bow or Crescent Falchion. Or a little bit further down the road you'll use the Sword of Moonlight and Lava Bow. I believe you have to up strength to be able to wield the bow or falchion from the starting character (If memory serves correct). I really just let my gear guide my level ups, with an emphasis on whatever is scaling best on my weapon.
Naturally too you'll want to find a weapon or style that's comfortable for you. I think that's just a matter of trying new stuff to see what feels right. The Crescent Falchion in 4-1 is a great place to start. Both from a move set standpoint, being able to get it so fast, and it staying as a viable weapon for your first run through.
Again thank you for the message, and if you have any more questions feel free to ask!