[Gimli]

I go less on the controlling stats for skills and more on what the stats actually give in the way of combat bonuses. Throw in the fact that a level 7 haste spell (which the bard can be a source of, or the monk or bishop in this party) will add 70 points of speed to every party member. So my suggestion would be to pump 3 into Str and Dex no matter what you choose to fight with (martial arts or with a staff). Let the haste spell pump Spd. Once Str/Dex are maxed out, work on Vit and Sen. The Monk's stealth will help keep him from getting noticed/attacked alot, and he has monk damage resistance, so I'd say Vit can wait until after Str/Dex are maxed out. Str is really key, if he's going to melee alot you want to unlock Powerstrike ASAP.