I usually run hard and elite, and find myself turning off power attack and missing more even with a lighter offhand weapon when duel wielding (dwarf with dwarven axe and battleaxe/hand axe) Although mabye battleaxe isnt a light offhand? Anyway I find myself switching to just the dwarf axe and shield alot, and wishing my ac was higher and my intimidate was good, since partys now bring the dps in spades most times, but cant always shake the agro.

If I switch to stalwart, thinking:

16 str
15 dex
16 con
11 int
8 wis
8 or 10 chr not sure what i have left over points wise

Will I be totally dependent on groups to do anything, can I still go out and solo some quests and explorers. mabye with a cleric hireling? Should I take the 2h fighting line and cleave? I know very little about sword and board style and would apreciate feedback.