I've got to say I disagree about the original system encouraging sticking with traditional thief-wizard-fighter etc. roles. I played several different character sets using the old system, and never chose to do this.
I personally liked the old system better, and felt it allowed diversification just as well or better than the new system. I don't hate the new system (as some people seem to), but I liked the old system better, and felt it allowed more creativity in mixing and matching abilities and skills than the new system.
The new system doesn't provide as much benefit for raising a skill to a higher level, so there's really no point to raising any skill area, as it is much more effective to put a point or two into each area.
