I would take the variant since it won't be available in other games necessarily (that was what I did with my gnome). but, again, play what'll be most fun for you.
The only drawback to the variant is the bonus to wisdom instead of charisma but I could probably make it work. I'll play around with the build a bit tonight after work.
I started working on my half elf Mark of Detection Bard. I got most of the crunchy bits figured out and I have a good idea of what the backstory will be like. I should have it completed by the end of the weekend. There will be some overlap with other characters with regards to some skills but I think it will mesh well with the other characters. I have a few ideas on how to connect my character with both Tillington and Maladiel.