(Psi)SeveredHead
Adventurer
47. are dump stats as much of an issue in 4th edition as in 3rd edition?
Because of the high (and indeed required) high point buy in 4e, I don't think dump stats are much of an issue. I don't think you're allowed to buy below an 8, and there are no racial penalties.
Having said that, every PC needs two high stats, so some stats get neglected. If the key stat is Intelligence or Dex, there's pressure to raise it to a 20 at 1st-level. (I disagree with that; my wizard PC started with Int 18.)
The NAD system mollifies the penalties of low stats to some extent. You only need one high stat between Strength/Con, Dex/Int, and Wis/Cha. Unlike in 3rd Edition, I don't see lots of low Charisma PCs. Charisma has intrinsic value now (because it gives you a good Will defense), and indeed for each pair of stats, at least one will have intrinsic value. I see lots of high Cha/low Wis sorcerers, warlords, and other such classes. Even if you have a pair of low stats, the NAD-boosting feats can save you.