I disagree with some of you guys about the ability scores. The problem with giving races +2 bonuses is that it pigeon holes them too much. If you want to play a powerful character, you're almost required to take one of the races that gets a +2 bonus to an appropriate stat (or two.) By making the bonuses +1, it's a lot less painful to play that halfling fighter or whatever.
I don't mind races getting a -1 to a stat, though, and, like many of you, I can't stand that humans get bonuses to all statistics. The only reason that the half orc is getting a plus to strength in this latest packet is because of the human bonuses. Ridiculous.
I love the gnome, and agree that the forest gnome is probably the best polished. The idea behind the rock gnome is solid, but the execution may not be there yet. I do like the advantages they get on certain checks. That makes a lot of sense and could be useful as well.
The half elf stinks.