In re: Guthyanki noses, did no one ever consider that they might have psionic sinuses? Being from the astral plane, it's possible that their mucus is mental thus no need for a big honker or for handkerchiefs.
As for rating the races, imho Drow come first. The reactions in game to them are the best. Then follow Gnomes and Halflings, then Githyanki and tieflings followed by everyone else. I prefer to play elves or small races (halflings and gnomes), but the Dark elves are my person al favourite. In terms of gameplay, in the long run the starting bonuses are more for flavour than anything else. I do like the extended Darkvision so duergar, deep gnomes and Drow > everyone else.
