To OP, thanks for doing your tests, the results were compelling. Please update the main post to reflect that (at least for R50) higher tier stats increase by 1.0 due to a 4.0 increase in the corresponding core stat. Please see my test thread and/or blog for details:
[dev1144] Effect of Core Stats on Skills Explained. Devs, We Need Answers Please
Deus Diabolus' Blog