Azred, since my initial post and eventual game play I reinstalled and played again. I really enjoy this game. The sequel Mask of the Betrayer is really, really good and creatively different. However, I couldn't get into the Storms of Zehir.
Like you I'm way behind games. I picked up Dragon Age: Origins just this spring and I have yet to finish (need to restart; NPC builds were all messed up). I figure however that this gives time for the inevitable final patch to be released and available when I install whatever game I am behind on.