Thanks guys. It does look like you can still tap a mining node several times to get the skill up, just don't loot it until it's the last character. be an easy one to level up 5x just for the stamina

As far as JC, what makes it worth it over the others, especially if you don't use trinket? Quick comparison of stam vs spellpower (JC offers some other things but):

JC
+51 stamina
or
+39 sp

Enchanting
+48 stamina
or
+38 sp

Mining:
+50 stamina

LW:
+50 stamina
or
+37 sp

Guess the only real benefit I see of JC is being able to mix and match things a bit more, with resil or spell penetration or whatever else is needed.. other than that.. worth 10-20k gold?