OOps, I misunderstood, Doggen. Grim's right. Survivor is the weakest character to start out with. One of my characters started out in Survivor mode and seemed to get obliterated around every corner.
Then I got wise and custom made my characters giving them enough strength to get through the first few levels or started them out as warriors. In the game I'm playing now both DK and hero began as warriors. DK has turned into a pretty good survivor/thief and my hero is a strong wizard. Both have good melee and ranged warrior skills.
It doesn't really matter which skill path you start out with. You receive skillbooks for all of the paths quickly throughout the first act.
Hope my message doesn't confuse you more. Sorry about that!
Faralas
