again, this is a different argument. i believe in the idea that pcs are outliers within their own race, as well as within the wider context of the game world. but, the topic is that there is mechanical limitation of race-class combos. and there isn't. there is only a limit on the optimal combos, and that by default that means there are sub optimal combos. and there are very few non-viable combos. the biggest stat loss is only 2 points from optimal, which is a 1 point bonus, or 5%. it isn't meaningful mechanically, it isn't really limited. it is fully functional. and ffs, the game hands out attribute points like candy. now go back to 2e, and your stats did limit your class choices, hard. you might qualify for 2 or 3 classes if you rolled well, and none if you rolled poorly. 