In retrospect, that's probably a better, less exploitative way to play the game.

IMO, the enchanting/smithing/alchemy system breaks the game. You shouldn't be able to create more powerful gear than you can find unless there's also a limit on your ability to develop your combat skills if you focus on the craft skills (so that the super gear just compensates for low skill).

I think I'm level 61 with 100s in Alchemy, Smithing, Enchanting, Lockpicking, 1-Hand, and Heavy Armor and 90+ in Archery, Light Armor, Speech, and Sneak. My perks were used primarily to improve 1-Hand, Smithing, and Enchanting. Getting up to the "Merchant" perk in Speech was useful.

No. I don't want to end up as one of those stories they use to condemn gaming. :D

I don't use enchants at all, only use alchemy for healing potions, and only level smithing in order to upgrade my weapons and armor.

I am also playing as a Nord "Hold Guard" so I only use hold guard armor (classified as light) and do not use anything "out of character" - no heavy armor, only "Nord" weapons like iron and steel (no ebony, elven, dead rid, or anything like that), no magic items or spells.

That's pretty impressive.

I am also playing on the highest difficulty level. I die once in a while. ;)

The problem with that is eventually you'll have to start using the "out of character" skills or you'll quit gaining experience points.

I'm level 52 now and the only "out of character" perks I have taken so far have been on the right side of the smithing tree (to get to dragon smithing).

I have perks in light armor, blocking, 1-handed, 2-handed, archery, and alchemy. Only blocking, light armor, and 1-handed are maxed at 100.

I have plenty of room to grow in 2-handed, archery, alchemy, lockpicking, and speechcraft before I have to do anything "out of character".

Yeah, I initially tried to only used one-handed combat with very little archery or sneak, but after I maxed out in one-hand and heavy armor, I decided to switch to sneak, light armor, and archery to keep earning XP.

I admire the way htismaqe is approaching the game though. I wish I'd have made some ground rules for myself like that, although I woudn't have gone as far as he did. I probably should have sworn off enchanting altogether. That alone would have probably made a pretty big difference.

I look at it this way. I am missing out on the power of enchanting.

I also don't have to do ANY managing of soul gems or any of that recharging shit...

Personally I think it's reeruned, but so what? If it works for him and he enjoys it, more power to him.

For me, games like this are all about advancing my character and getting the highest level skills/best equipment possible. As soon as I can't do that anymore, I lose interest quickly. Skyrim requires that you be flexible and have a well-rounded character to do that effectively, so I roll with it.

I don't play games like this much. It's been a decade since I last played an RPG all the way through (NWN 1). My initial approach was just like what you seem to be describing and it was a lot of fun to advance and see how good I could make my enchanted equipment, but eventually I got to the point where my battles with the bad guys were pretty ho hum because my gear was just too good.

I'm still playing and trying to find ways to keep it interesting though.

I just started a new character - complete mage. I'm not using any armor, and using only magic or bound weapons. It's been interesting - added a significant level of difficulty since I have no armor, especially early on.

I take it that you do a lot of running away.

No, but I've done a lot of dying! ROFL

The only time I've actually run away from something was at Shearpoint. Krosis flat kicked my ass.

Welcome to Bethesda games.