if you think the requirement is too high on the merc weapon, you can always attempt to find an ethereal version of it, as they do not break when it's being used on mercs. Also, just as a reminder if you are planning on using the socket quest. Please make sure you goto Battle.net to check on the item first.... not all polearm gives 4 sockets, when you use the quest, it gives you the highest sockets you can get, so there's a good chance that you might end up with 5 or 6 sockets.
basically I just gave you some information that you may know already, but I just thought I will still throw it out there since u said you are rather new.