[Russ]

Just as a lark, I took my main character away from my party and into some fights. My conclusion?

Solo-ing is actually much EASIER than going as a party.

REasons:

1. A solo character is in a target-rich environment, but has freedom of movement, never has to trip over his allies.
2. You can concentrate on what one character's doing at a time. Much better ability to funnel critters into kill zones.
3. Never have to worry about protecting weaker characters while something more tactically important is happening.
4. No irritation about your main character dying while everything else is succeeding... the weird no resurrecting Bhaalspawn thingumbob.

Granted, working around skill deficits could be a challenge. But fight-wise, my beginning party had real difficulty with the fight in the inn on Waukeen's Promenade, whereas my main character could handle it all by himself with the greatest of ease...