Hiya, Ravager.
Yes, I already found out that ranged weapons are best. And ranged Thought spells. And the shoot-run-shoot-run strategy. Lava trolls and Ice Bolt taught me that!
And the 'lure enemies one at a time' strategy - I found that years ago with Daggerfall (my first game).
I have played several characters as far as Montserrat, and one to the Crypt; but they all seem to have weaknesses that make things very difficult.
I have realised, belatedly, the importance of Diplomacy! Especially with Daevas.
I never take on companions any more. As you say, they are more trouble than they are worth.
What I really want to know is how best to make your character powerful. The miserable 41 attribute points are an annoyance. And only having 3 tag skills! Yeah, I know I'm a moaner!
Actually, I didn't mind having only 3 tag until I found out how great Diplomacy is.
Anyway, I always used Ascetic and Studious Tinkerer as Traits because they carry the most benefits with the least disadvantages, imo. (after all, you get the -1 Perception back pretty soon, and as for gold, you don't miss what you don't have.
But now I think Gifted is better than S.Tinkerer because it puts all your attributes up one point which is worth it even though you lose 4 skill points on levelling.
I've tried all the races and all the races with different Spirits - but they all seem to fail as you get past Montaillu. Maybe I'm just doing the order wrong? I go from Montaillu to the Crypt, and the Crypt kills my char every single time. I'm thinking of going to wherever it is the Rock Titans have enslaved the citizens instead.