I have a human of level 1 Myrmidarch Magus that will eventually turn to a Myrmidarch Magus 8 / Arcane Archer 10 + 2 more level of something.
I have the option of taking 1/4 * magus level in bonus arcane pool, to a total of 2 bonus.
8 total levels of magus and an estimated 6 intelligence bonus will give me a base of 10.
Alternatively, I could get humans' favored race bonus of +1 health for a +8 health. For d8 with an average of 4.5 each level except the first which is max and with 3 con would give me at level 8 ~64 hp. That 8 extra hp would mean 12.5% more, but as a ranged character I would think that taking damage would be either my mistake or an inevitability but in the end, be a rare occurrence.
Due to my unfamiliarity of pathfinder mechanics and progression in ecls vs party, I can't tell if that 8 hp will come in handy or not.
At the same time, those 2 points of arcane pool might come in handy. From 10 to 12 is a 20% increase in daily power output and I have yet to find items or potions to regenerate arcane pool and if there are any, I am sure I won't have at-will access to them. No ye old magic shops around.
Taking a feat for extra arcane pool is situational and I have a chance once every two levels, but this choice I must take now and remains locked for the rest of this character's lifespan. And beyond 😀
Best Answer
I would go for the HP bonus as there is a way to get additional arcane pool points in the form of a 20,000gp ring available(in Ultimate Equipment) by the name of Ring of Arcane Mastery. It allows you to store 4 pool points that remain until used, much like a Ring of Spell Storing.