I don't know how well balanced the stats are, maybe it's an issue here, but generally, I always loved the way PB games handled the character upgrade system. Compared to the streamlined "Allocate a bunch of points in a menu whenever you want." PB's system manages to really draw you into the world and bond with the characters. Especially with the flavor dialogue. When you learned to sneak in Gothic, the character who taught you explained how to position your feet and properly balance your weight while you move around so as to not be heard, same for when you upgraded your sword and bow skills, "Okay, so you hold yor sword like *this*, etc...". I mean, in the end all you did was press A to sneak, but it's the details that count.