I have to disagree with this statement. INT affects only one skill set (magic), which is spread out over five different alternative paths. Maybe just a case of semantics, but still a distinction worth pointing out nevertheless (in my opinion, at least).
Maybe I didn't highlight this specific topic enough... I will try to explain it with an specific example. Suppose that you want to have 10 different skills in your character with a 20% bonus (This "bonus" is 10%/AP until you reach 100% and then 5%/AP after 100%) to effect in all of them. Here is the cost based on the different options (SP: Skillpoint, AP: Atributte points in this case):
a) 2 Mage Skillsets = 6 SP + 4 AP
b) Scoundrel + Markmanship = 6 SP + 4 AP
c) 1 Mage Skillset + 1 Physical Skillset = 6 SP + 8 AP
d) Man-at-arms + Other Physical = 6 SP + 8 AP
Now suppose that you also want to have a good bonus to damage while using all of them, let's say +20%:
a) 2 Mage Skillsets = 6 SP + 4 AP + Free Scaling
b) Scoundrel + Markmanship = 6 SP + 4 AP + 6 SP (Single Hand + 1 Ranged Weapon)
c) 1 Mage Skillset + 1 Physical Skillset = 6 SP + 8 AP + 3 SP (Weapon)
d) Man-at-arms + Scoundrel = 6 SP + 8 AP + 3 SP (Single Hand... Will mean degraded performance on MAA AOE powers unless specced also in 2H Weapon, in which case it will be as case e) ).
e) Man-at-arms + Markmanship = 6 SP + 8 AP + 6 SP (Weapon + Ranged Weapon)
I haven't even need to check what EACH skill does (With the exception of the "free scaling" which, even nerfed after last patch is still biased towards mages even taking into account maxed weapon skills) to know that a Mage with the same bonuses will enjoy a net advantage of 4 AP and 6 SP over the worse combo. If you want to translate this into levels... Feel free to do so.
