How relevant is the difference between 8 and 10 for a melee combatant in Heavy Armour? I don't like 8 for aestetical reasons and abhorrrence of negative modifier

But I could put those points elesewhere.
Tav will very rarely - if ever - use Range weapons.
Will there be many situations for DEX tests in combat? Outside of combat such tests will be dealt with by other Party members, of course.