Welcome Coszette! I agree with the others, very well said. I can totally relate to every word. Thank you for posting. :3
I think having a character you like is very important. It's the first thing I look at when considering to play a game. If they don't have a race/gender I like then I simply won't play it. I suppose other people may be happy with just game play and don't care about their character, but I think a character you like can help you feel connected to the world and have more fun. When times are bad in a game having a character I feel connected to may be the only thing that keeps me playing until things get better.
(Off topic: I really appreciate that in this thread people are able to ask for what they want without whining and complaining. ^-^ Some people on other threads don't seem to be able to express their opinions without being angry. Even if we all don't always agree we don't get on each others backs about things.
You're all a pleasure to talk to. Thanks for being awesome! :3)