I remember reading about SA, you definitely want Sharpness +1 or Razor Sharp, Atk Up (M) and I think either evasion +2 or evasion up or hg earplugs (these are more survival, if you aren't getting hit and what not you won't need it, but evasion +2 is good for hammer and SA) if possible.
Edit: so I looked at some of the SAs I'd go with Razor Sharp over Sharpness +1 until you can Alatreon's weapon, reason is because most of the SAs even with Sharpness +1 it doesn't really go up a sharpness level a whole lot, or not even go up a level at all. You'll rather want to continue doing more dps without sharpening your weapon so Razor sharp is ideal, but if you can get Alatreon's weapon and Sharpness +1 will raise sharpness over to purple, that's a good idea. Also you have to account for sword mode, the sword mode has ESP, which you prolly know, it'll go through tough surfaces no matter what, so Sharpness +1 doesn't help too much, of course axe mode does more damage according to damage formula though so you'll stay in it more but for Urugaan and Barroth you'll go sword.