Rules Update: Master Warrior

So I guess my question is, will there be an alternative tier 3, or another way to satisfy the pre-req.

No.  All of the tier 3 skills are weapon specific.  This was done intentionally to encourage people to use the corresponding weapon styles for the trees - 2HE for power, sword and board for defense, and master florentine for finesse.  So yes, if you're dead-set on using master florentine, you can still get Slay, but you're gonna have to pick up a 2HE (or brawlers) if you want to use Devastating Strike.

Yes, you can re-spend the build you have invested in Master Warrior without re-learning everything.

Sean

So, does this mean master warrior no longer allows you to learn weapon mastery groups?

This is correct.

Where does staff fit into this pardigm?

It doesn't.  You can't use any of the tier 3 skills with a staff.

Skimmel

It appears to me that you can learn the tier 3 skills for power and protection without knowing the appropriate weapon style.  Am I correct?