Attributes

[Crosswind]

Remember that one of the stated design goals of 4E was to make it tougher for new players to accidentally "gimp" their characters. That effectively means making character optimization simpler. A 3.5 rogue who didn't put a high stat in dex or intelligence was going to be hugely inferior to one who did.

They're making things clear: X is the best stat for class Y. Put your high stat here. Do whatever you want with the other stats, your character will still be reasonably effective.

-Cross

 

[Styracosaurus]

Dexterity could be interpreted to represent certain types of "strength". To me, Strength score respresents bulk and power vs. Dexterity representing control.

If it really mattered, then you could make a feat with a Strength requirement for the bow.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

if you look closer on the rogue, you can see he focuses on dex, str and cha, all of them adding to a different defense. So lowering dex by 2 and increase str and char by 2 each could be a not so bad trade.