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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Umbran" data-source="post: 6345376" data-attributes="member: 177">I think we are suffering from a bit of overuse of the term "optimal".  We wind up speaking as if there are only two states:  Optimal, and sub-optimal.In real play, I think there are really more like three states: Ineffective, Effective, and Optimal.  Obvious choices shouldn't lead to ineffective characters.  It is okay if obvious choices lead to merely effective characters.If I'm playing a fighter, and I choose a decent Str and Con, pick up a longsword, shield, and chain mail (pretty obvious choices), I should expect to be effective.  I should not expect to be Best of the Best of the Best, but the character should be able to contribute in a respectable way, and not be too outshone by the ones who are actually optimal.</blockquote>