Yet anOTHer way to go, would be to divvy stats up by general class category but assign groupings of classes to EACH/every attribute.
Each attribute, let's say to begin with -initial manual, gets 3 classes to call its own. That, of course, makes the game's initially offing 18 classes...seems kinda big/a lot for starting player choices. BUT, it's certainly one way to go for people who like TONS of options. Or, if you do 2 options per, then you're back at the "standard" average of 12 again.
STRENGTH CLASSES: The classes who hit hard.
Fighter (obvs): default guy.
Barbarian: the hits hard poster child guy.
DEXTERITY CLASSES: The classes that are fast and agile.
Rogue/Thief: default guy.
Ranger: the "move, strike, move, hide, strike, move some more" guy.
CONSTITUTION CLASSES: The classes that endure bodily strain.
Druid: default guy.
Paladin: New twist on an olde classic, the "I endure worldly strain (temptations) in the name of my deity/ideals/oath. I endure sooo much, sooo well, my deity/ideals/oath grants me powers" guy. Wisdom will still be important. Yes. Charisma will still be important. Yes. But make the Paladin class built around being TOUGH -physically (divine health, anyone?), mentally (resisting fears, charms), in battle, in leadership, in general- moreso than "strong" or "wise." Paladins' aren't greatwarriors because they hit hard. They're great warriors because they are going to STAND THEIR GROUND (physically and ethically/morally) against the torrents of evil and chaos always seeking to bring them down. That guy on the cliff atop a pile of devil bodies. THAT guy. THE Paladin. An exemplar of Constitution.
INTELLIGENCE CLASSES: The classes that cast spells.
Wizard/Mage: default guy.
Warlock: I use smarts and ambition or tricks and deception to bilk power from others.
WISDOM CLASSES: The classes that channel power.
Cleric: default guy.
Monk: the "...focused totality of my spiritual enlightenment..." guy
CHARISMA CLASSES: I say make this the long elusive weapons & magic/combo classes attribute.
Bard: default guy.
"Sorcerer": spell sword/eldritch knight/bladesinger/innate magic guy.