I need to chime in to say that I don't like the idea of the choice of race (or gender) making any difference. One of the big differentiating features of DS was that it broke from the D&D convention of pre-rolled classes, and race differences just take you back to that. All characters should start equal, and make their own choices for development during game play.
The rest of the suggestions are well-balanced, but that one is too fundamental.
I need to chime in to say that I don't like the idea of the choice of race (or gender) making any difference. One of the big differentiating features of DS was that it broke from the D&D convention of pre-rolled classes, and race differences just take you back to that. All characters should start equal, and make their own choices for development during game play.
The rest of the suggestions are well-balanced, but that one is too fundamental.