"I don't look foreward however to going through the initial level upping once again"
You can use
iZakaroN's SaveEditor to boost your level. Experience points (E) are related to character level (L) by;
E = 1000*(L^3 - L)/3 ; see
Wisdom - is it worth the skill points?To start with a level 10 character, you could save a new game, then edit the experience points to 330000, reload the game and kill a rabbit (or open the catacombs) to update your level. You can also add stats and unused skill points (I found that more reliable than trying to boost specific skills directly).
"Any idea if the bug could reappear when I start a completely new game? I hope chances are very slim. Think I'll start with a clean install and patch all over again."
I would think the chances of the same error / corruption would be low, especially with a clean install + patch before re-starting.
There are a few chests and hatches that require Lockpick, and at least level 1 is needed to join the thieves' guild (necessary for a couple quests, though not essential ones). I would max it (you can get two free levels in the thieves' guild).
Early Starter Tips (NON-Spoiler Version)maybe some spoilers;
Playing a mage character...
