Yah, but as the easiest to upgrade and with good stat boosts, you level faster = )
I also agree with you on Shortblade being a very good skill, as with Blunt weapons; one of them could be slotted into the optional minor, or even traded with Acro or Athletics (To each his own, though). The above is just my personal build for the way I like to play, I am sure the thread starter appreciates a variety of responses.
Hell, the responses really show just how diverse the game is and its viable allowance for many unique combinations of character skills.
