[DraconisRex]

Now for the more central topic...

I think multi-classing is an outstanding option. For example, a "Ranger/Rogue" is a formidible melee combatant AND has some excellent cross-over skills in the areas of sneaking and traps. I played a Ranger/Rogue through most of Chapter 2. She was a highly effective melee combatant.

Sorcerer/Paladins are a valid choice. Both use Charisma, and with the "Still" spell, the Armour Spell Failure doesn't apply to "somatic" componet spells. I've explored this combination, and it works well.

Nothing seems to work really well with monks as only Druids and Clerics use Wisdom. Also, they have so many outstanding "feats" at high level, it's not like you're going to lose a couple of spells or 2 hp...

Bards & Sorcerers multi-class well. So do Bards & Rogues.

Fighters and Clerics/Druids multi-class well. So do Clerics/Rogues and Druid/Rogues. What you may lose in a few high-level spells is often more than made-up-for with a great diversity in ability and approaches to problems.