Does anybody know what effect Attributes have on skills? Do the primary & secondary governing attribute add to the skill #, or do they generate an amount which is affected by the skill #. If this question isn't clear enough, or if this information is readily available in the manual (which I admit I cherry-picked since I don't have a printer), let me know and I will rephrase or look up the information.

The Attributes which are associated with a given skill effect only how fast you learn the skill. Though generally attributes have other effects, like Dex increasing your attack rating, etc, which also may reflect in how well you use the skill.
Everything on your inventory page can be crossreferenced by right-clicking.