Quote Originally Posted by lord_khaine View Post
I also think Barbarians and/or rogues is making for good reference points when it comes to raw fighting power or skill based utility.
"Raw fighting power" is the sum total of what you get from nearly all LA -0 critters.

I do think you should be playing a monster because you really want to or because it fits your character concept, and not because its going to make you more powerful.
Well, yeah. But in D&D, fighting is a core part of the experience (for better and for worse), and it's certainly relevant to figure out how your numbers should change (ie, how many class levels you get) to keep from throwing combat &c out of whack.