Much digital ink has been spilled on this issue, since it was revealed at Blizzcon, in October 2008. (The first word came from an interview by Diii.net, and immediately [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=699000 resulted in a30-page forum] thread.) Some portion of that hew and cry was spurred by an initial misunderstanding; reporters assumed items would still have strength, dexterity, and other attribute requirements (they do not), but even with that issue clarified shortly after, the topic of pre-set attributes has remained a contentious one.

An installment There are a variety of arguments on each side of the game feature discussing issue. The debate was nicely encapsulated in an [[On the Drawing Board]] column delved into this issueabout pre-set attributes, and listed all of the pros and cons about from which the issue. A quick following bullet-point summarypoints are taken: [http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/on-the-drawing-board-4-preset-attributes]

* Attributes were largely irrelevant in D2, since every all characters with the same build used much the same identical equipment and stat arrangementallocation. {{iw|Category:D2_strategy Typical D2 guide}} advice, "Enough strength for your heaviest item, then all the rest into vitality."

* No need for attribute respects[[respec]]s, which would otherwise have to be incorporated since skill respects respecs will be.

* Late Game Equipment Finds. High level characters can expect to be able to use the items they find, since they won't , for example, be built with far too little strengthfor that cool new item they just found.

* No Attributes = No skill required. If players want to mainline strength and ignore vitality because they're good enough to survive with fewer hit points... , or vice versa so they can play with a weaker, specialized build, why take away that option?