RPG Statistics Thread - Shadowdawn

This is a bit of research being done on my part, but I would like to ask for any and all comments on the topic, because I need to make a design decision and feeling unusually biased about it.

I'm not really wondering about the sheer number of statistics to track in a game, but how they are explained and quantified. I know some people prefer and/or are used to large amounts of data to keep track of and min/max, while others (especially those who don't play RPGs regularly) prefer not to see a daunting column of 20 numbers. But an even more common complaint is that these statistics, regardless of how many there are, just don't seem to mean anything beyond "higher is better". It takes a good portion of the game to understand how an increase of 1 in a particular stat actually affects the character's effect on the game world.

In typical console RPGs, you'll see this (for example):
Attack 110
Defense 155

In PC RPGs, the numbers are lower, but they'll generally be presented the same way:
Strength 22
Dexterity 30

Some PC RPGs are a bit better at explaining what the numbers translate to (mainly because PC RPGs tend to use stats for more than just combat). Shadowdawn Genesis is closer to a PC RPG in this regard, but uses a console-style rating system with a higher range of numbers to allow more fine tuning of character builds. I want to ask: how do you prefer to see these statistics explained? Help text? Formulas? Some type of meter showing the maximum value of a stat? It's difficult to be more specific in my question, but any suggestions are welcome on how to make these numbers useful. I do have some ideas, but until I hear from other gamers, I won't make a decision.

Thanks in advance!

for RPGS its better to use numbers and have a pop up box that explains what that stats does and gives you and you should also have a meter stat like something from 1 - 10 too show you how much the stats is worth for that certain charcter as opposed too another basically its better too have both as too give you more details on the stats and such.

I have a pop-up explanation box in place so far, so we're on the same page there
As for the meters, I think you gave me a good idea, but I have to see if I can use it. I'll post more if I do get it working though.

ok give it a go i'll support you as much as i can since this is the first game in ages thats i'm looking forward too and would be disappointed too not see it released