Want to learn 3.5e (never played before)

[Beni-Kujaku]

3.5 allows you to optimize into godhood, yes, but far more importantly, it lets you optimize weak, weird, and niche options into relevance.

This. Absolutely this. Optimizing isn't for outshining the rest of the group. Optimizing is for playing a fun character and still be on par with the group. Can I sig this?