Hear, hear, BK! That's the way I like to go at it as well.
Gradually build them up. It makes for a better storyline, IMO.
But then, there's no "wrong" or "right" way to play. It's like eating an Oreo--do you chomp right in, or do you separate the cookies from the cream filling first...to each their own. As long as one is having fun with it.
I will admit I do roll my eyes a bit over excessive "munchkinism"
but that's something that one must put up with in any gaming arena.
-Sazerac