Just hoping someone could clear this up for me.

Is it right, that a character with 100 points in all 18 skills, is absolutely no different to a character with 1 point in all skills, if they have not put any points in any of the perks?

The point being, having points in destruction won't increase you magic damage, or points in lockpicking does not help you pick locks any better.

I'm guessing the only thing that would make you stronger than an opponent is you level in this case?