Interesting...

Under D&D 3rd Edition, using the 25-point buy method, there are 181 arrays of stats that can be generated (I used a computer to work this out; I'm not quite that sad). Each of these can then be sorted into 720 combinations (not all of them unique, of course).

So, what I'm wondering is if there's some mileage in using a stat generation system where you use point-buy to get the actual stats, but then roll to randomly determine which is which.

Example: Let's assume you go for array 81, which is 16, 14, 12, 11, 10, 8. You then have to choose a stat for Strength, so roll 1d6. Let's assume this gives a 4. The character therefore has an 11 Strength. You're left with five numbers for five stats, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, so roll d5. This comes up a 2. The character has 14 Dex.

This is then repeated using d4, d3 and d2 to get the remaining stats.

The advantage of this method is that you can control your eventual stats but not their exact positioning, which might be attractive. It means you can't rely on getting Charisma as your 'dump stat', and you might have to play a character with a sub-optimal value in an important stat. (For example, you might get a character with high Str and Dex but low Con, making him a good Fighter or Rogue, but one with a significant weakness.)

It is also the case that you cannot really get any 'useless' characters this way. Your best bet for a useless character is array 1: 18, 15, 9, 8, 8, 8, which is pretty grim. But if you choose that array, you're guaranteed to be excellent in two of the six possible areas. And anyway, you would have chosen that array, so it's really your own fault if that leaves you with a Con of 18 and Cha of 15.

The big disadvantage of that system, of course, is that you can't control what sort of character you'll have, and can't be sure of getting a balanced party.