[Bungleau]

My opinion on skill levels is pretty simple.

For spells, the key is to get to level 7. Otherwise, you can't get level 7 spells (to state the hopefully obvious).

I haven't seen any real benefit to improving the skill beyond 7, so I generally don't unless I'm training at a guild, and there's nothing better to train in.

BTW, I believe in putting all my level-up skill points into Sorcery or other things you can't train in. Traps & Locks (until you can start training), your preferred weapon (Sword, followed by Dagger and Pole & Staff), Enchant/Bless, Artifacts, Forge, Scout (much more useful than I first thought), and Athletics. Prowess and Gallantry were useful later (I think), although they're hard to evaluate.

My only exception is when getting to level 1 in a spell skill, or trying to get to level 2 or 3. From that point on, you really can't level up in one shot, so you might as well pay for training at a guild. My usual goal is to get to level 7 in a spell class by the time the character is level 7. Usually, I hit it by level 9.

I also prefer to have certain characters specialize in certain skills, rather than try to get everyone up to the top in every skill. Later, everyone can pick up Artifacts, for example; throughout most of the game, as long as someone has it, you're okay.

After you're all done, raise skills beyond level 7 when there's nothing better to do at a guild.

Whew! Too much writing, which makes me think the *real* answer is that it depends on what you feel like doing, and what your own opinion is.