Which starting traits are the most worthwhile?

[minmay]

Yes, I did not mean to imply it was a bad trait, I would still take it on every human character I can think of. Just had to point out the factual error.

[Rithrin]

Example 3: if you play with a human character, the +10% experience perk is excellent because you will level 20% faster (it combines with your racial +10% experience boost.) It's like getting a bonus level every 5 levels. So by the time everyone else is level 10, you are already 12.

This isn't true. Each level costs more experience than the previous one, so 20% more experience doesn't translate into 20% more levels.

The curve of increasing xp requirements per level is not very steep. You may not be 20% ahead, but you will still be ahead.

Interestingly, I took two humans and two ratlings in my initial party. One human, my wizard, took Fast Learner. Early game the regular human did have about 1 level over the ratlings, and the wizard had almost 2 levels over them, but during the final stages of the game (Crystal Mines, Castle Nex, part of the Pyramid), Literally every in my group was level 15, including both of the humans. Granted, the humans were closer to their next level, but the experience gap between levels widens out so much that you will rarely have a skill advantage over other races. And when you do, it's already at a stage where characters have the masteries they need already. I don't actually see much of a reason to use humans at all, sadly. Mutation, Headhunter, the abiltity to have a racial food bonus, and other factors of the nonhumans really take the cake. Even Endurance is something I'd take over fast learner, as it was such a hassle even for my max strength +3 Athletics Knight to carry his full armor set.

[sqeecoo]

I would actually love to be convinced otherwise I'm a powergamer by nature

Then you can never be convinced. Power gamers only see the numbers and math of a game as such it is all black and white. It is either mechanically the most optimal or it is utter trash.

If that is how you have "fun" then that is how it is enjoy that.

I'll go back to my party of all rats and the interesting challenges and rewards that party gives me in my play time.

I don't "only" see math, mate. Figuring the mechanics of the game is fun for me, but not the only thing that's fun

Besides, the question was not about the most fun trait, but the most worthwhile