What do people think about combining effects via more shifts, rather than one massive effect?  Is that one of those things discussed to death or is there a consensus on that (I can see action economy balance issues, unless you also allow a high result non-magic maneuver to attempt two maneuvers at once...although again, why wouldn't you be able to do a supernatural strength punch that sacrificed some shifts of damage to put a maneuver on somebody....similar to the fuego suggestion above)?

A player in a game I hosted was curious about whether or not Sponsored Magic came with items, and if not whether he could get them with Refinement. I told him yes to the latter but wondered; can someone experienced with their flavor of Sponsored use Refinement beside this. They don't really have elements aside from our and don't have bonuses afterall. The book didn't offer an explanation that I could find.

I don't know that I'd let you start up a dialogue mid-fistfight, but i'd certainly let you use Intimidation to maneuver or block, Deceit to feint, and Rapport/Deceit to distract. It would be on a case-by-case basis, for me.