I already did BG1 with my Blade and I put the 18 char for rpg-reasons and because I really want Aerie to like him even after he has taken his gear off
Also I don't like keeping items in inventory just to use them for casual encounters like shopping
After BG1 and the fabolous tomes he now has 19 char and thus can easily get to 25 with "Friends". Now that should get me some discount