Keep in mind that you can also
lower the starting values of attributes. For instance, most skills are worthless for pure fighters. So you could lower the int down to tne minimum and you would have extra points for other stats.
The bonus spell table refers to the main attribute for the spellcasting class. Int for wizards, wisdom for clerics, charisma for bards and sorcerers.
There are very few restrictions left in the game. Lawful good for paladin is one of them. For the most part, though, any race can be an class (or classes). So yeah, you could have a LG Drow Paladin, if you wanted.
Rogues can be of any alignment whatever. Even LG nowadays. Weird.
Difficulty modes in IWD2 were poorly thought out. While monsters are tougher in the normal modes, they yield no extra experience. You only get extra exp in HOF, and even there it will be modified by average party level. My suggestion: play on normal (regular) and HOF later.
It IS possible to start a level 1 party in HOF, but very, very difficult. Especially if you don't know the game. Best to play through once first with an advanced team.
Yeah, you can try to force (attack) a chest if your rogue can't pick the lock. Of course, any traps will go off when you do that
Nightowl2