There is also a glut of far overskilled people.
"'So and so' is an outstanding warrior, smarter than anyone else, sneaky, clever, a healer, and gorgeous."
Do people not understand that it's a lot more fun and interesting to interact with people and characters that have flaws and insecurities? I think this is why so many characters have dark and mysterious pasts, to lend them some kind of conflict, because they are perfect and BORING. Actually, I find them boring anyway. I would much rather see a well developed character with parents, a mundane past, and flaws. Sure, they should have a skill, like in real life we have skills that make us unique. There is no need to make a character some perfect uber person though...people (and elves *gasp* have flaws). It makes a character easier to interact with.
For a previous thread on this topic see:
You too can play an underpowered character.
[ April 28, 2003: Message edited by: The X Phial ]