Well, I think My current dark elf ranger is officially a keeper. I got him to level 10 yesterday and have a decent orcish katana and battle axe, and a daedric short bow. I've successfully defended some poor shopkeeper from a vampire clan he somehow managed to get on the wrong side of, and last night actually backstabbed and killed a lich with my bow to complete a temple quest to retrieve a talisman. A fun ride. A little more leveling, then maybe I'll start the main quest.