Heh I'm running a F/M/T solo at lvl 8/9/10 at the moment! He's good!! How do I do it? Easy. DSotSC raises the XP-cap to 2.000.000 XP.
I never really liked dualling anyway. If you want the abilities of both classes go for a multiclass MainCharacter. In BG2 the cap is so high you can get a really powerful character.
As for Garrick he's ok in my book. Bards can do almost everyting somewhat well - even as back-up tanks.
I have a party saved with a paladin, Imoen, 3 homemade bards and Garrick. I call it 'Sir Robin and his minstrels'

It's fun and 5 archers really is good in BG1.
[This message has been edited by Qrt (edited 07-11-2001).]