From Yoshida himself, no matter what race you choose, the racial stats will not be significant at end game. There's not a "favored race", and, as Yoshida states: Feel free to choose whatever race you like to! Now, if you think it as a roleplayer, it's different and I would choose Lalafel for a caster.

I'm with you with the last one. We need more hairstyles and more beards. We'll be looking forward the barber soon to be implemented.