Why was dex made so powerful?

[rigolgm]

DEX is clearly better than STR, even for most combat classes.

I think a big problem is how little DMs/players bother with encumberance/lifting considerations. Lifting capacity is the only thing that brings STR even close to DEX in terms of efficiency.

Unless you're only using the basic encumberance rules, a simple 'explorers pack' alone contains so much equipment that it's almost heavy enough to impose a 'minus 10' movement penalty on a player with STR10.

I bet there are a lot of PCs out there (especially those legions of STR10, DEX20 Fighters and Rangers etc) who probably should be receiving that penalty.

I know it's DM discretion and optional, but I think it's balanced and good for roleplaying (get a mule! don't be tooled-up like a battleship!).