If you need to justify it to yourself, that may be a sign that you don't want to do it. Maybe writing this thread is another clue that stat optimizing is really not your priority.

Sometimes I have done very well in PvP, but the character I played was naturally gifted and well geared.

Sometimes I have done well despite poorer racials or gear.

The latter, I am proud of, can brag of, and own every moment of the victory in sweet 1080p HD in my mind.

Min/Max just seems to be the standard nowadays. In some games its incredibly important from day one (Like EVE Online), in others there is forgiveness. Some people play to crunch the BIGGEST number they possibly can and that makes them happy, others play for the "look" of their character. Are they still efficient in their class? Absolutely. Are they staring at a mod to ensure their numbers are better than everyone else? Probably not lol!

Play how you want, everyone's joy in the game comes from different sources. You can balance out your "shortcomings" in other ways. Will they be as effective as the base racials? Probably not...will they suffice? Yes.

Argonians have great Restoration boosts.......the only use for lizards I have is apparel. I don't care if they heal better than me, I don't want to be someone's purse.

Remember, it's still a Role Playing Game!!