The main problem with race differences is the community. I remember in XI how nobody wanted a Taru to tank despite the fact that one player I knew had straight up point-for-point better stats and gear than the current tank (was also a better player) but the mindset didn't let it happen.

Small differences are interesting but the fact that a choice you make can and will alter the life of the game can leave some people feeling like they got the short end of the stick (taru pun?) when it comes to later down the road.

As it stands right now I don't see any pain on the pain/pleasure spectrum for not having stat differences whereas there will be if stat differences exist. So why create potential pain when there is none now?