I just wanted someone to clarify one or more specific points regarding the starting stats and their relation to end-game roles; specifically tanking.

Before we begin, here is a summary of what I already know:

- I know that, at most, the stat difference between races should be ~5

- I feel that with most MMORPGs (Excluding FFXI) gear and augments usually mean more than base stats (OPINION)

- Most people say choose what you think looks best

- With how the stat system rounds numbers and places them into whole number tiers, +/- 5 is likely to make no real impact overall

Those are all valid points and well placed opinions or facts, but I still worry about the one uncontrollable and unpredictable element associated with selecting the non-optimal race you find most visually appealing, which is the social impact and restraint imposed by an overall uninformed community.

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