Yes. Normally, all of the below average characters are non-player characters.But if you use a standard array like this, you don't have a single player character with below average stats.
A to play a below-average character would be an option that is available to players who have interest and narrative preparation to play a below-average character, and would not be a default. The default is "heroic" in the sense of being a powerful combatant.
It occurs to me, the same players who want to play a below-average character are probably less likely to be insulting toward reallife persons who face challenges, mild or serious.
5e has Inspiration as a mechanic. It is simplistic, but can be used to reward players who play interesting character concepts, including below-average concepts.
I also like avoiding the negative numbers to expedite math speed.
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