[quote=@Feisty-Pants]
<Snipped quote by Saltwater Thief>

Both. Both are good.
[/quote]

Well, a big chunk of the decision rests entirely on "How much combat am I expecting to put myself into?", because if the answer is "A lot" gimping myself is probably a bad call. Especially since the level comparisons are essentially "If you are Level X, you will be stomped by Level Y or higher with few questions." 

Part of that depends on whether or not I make a fighter character or a not-so-fighter character. Hmm...