I’d say it’s not terrible if you have some experience with TTRPGs and use Pathbuilder (a free character-building site/app). That said, I obsessively research and follow guides while making my characters, so I might not be the best source on vibes-based character creation.

I’m not actually sure? I know you can get actual fireball as a sorcerer, but I’ve yet to play one in Pathfinder.

If I could choose, I’d probably pick elf for the reasons you listed, and sorcerer because blowing stuff up is cool.