The main issue with making monstrous D&D character species is the desire to front-load things from the monster entry at low levels. It isn't necessary. Each player character can become a unique individual that rivals the monster version in cool ways.

— Cris P. Skins (@ChrisSSims) September 28, 2019

While true, not every monster entry needs to be made available as a playable race. Haven’t we learned the lesson of 3e? Do you think that was the lesson to be learned from 3e?

— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) September 28, 2019

Mmm, I think you and Chris are essentially saying the same thing. Playing a Minotaur PC for instance, doesn’t mean you have to do as much damage per hit as the Minotaur monster stat block.

Yes, LA/ECL and monster classes were awkward systems at best. Level adjustments were an attempt to let you play the verbatim block. That’s a trap.

— Dan Dillon 👥 (@Dan_Dillon_1) September 28, 2019

The feeling is what matters most of the time, and you can get that by starting out manageable and without ending up at the same place a monster stat block does.

— Cris P. Skins (@ChrisSSims) September 28, 2019