I'd say the real advantage to obedient is that it allows you to close out arguments between characters to not collect traits you don't want, while still taking whatever decision you want (if you game which character initiates a conversation)
Ahh, good tip. I wondered why sometimes my warrior would give the option to "do this your way" but my ranger never did. Because he's obedient and she's not. Thanks, chum.
See ScrotieMcB. My point is that if you're the first character and take the "Fine lets do it your way" path, you pick up obedient points nearly always (not quite always, but nearly always) So if you try to pick up independent, it will just be offset, with no real advantage.